Vegan Linseneintopf (German Lentil and Vegetable Stew)
Why this recipe works
- Savoury base: Leek, carrot and celeriac are softened first, giving the stock a rounded vegetable sweetness before the lentils simmer.
- Bright finish: Apple cider vinegar cuts through the earthiness of the lentils and makes the stew taste more lively.
- Keeps well: The stew stores and freezes well, making it a practical batch-cooking option for easy meals later in the week.
Get the most out of this recipe
Texture tips
- For a thicker stew: Lightly crush some of the cooked lentils against the side of the pot, then stir them back through to naturally thicken the broth.
- Keep the lentils defined: Simmer gently rather than boiling hard so the lentils soften without breaking down too much.
Ingredient notes
- Wash the leek thoroughly: Leeks can hold grit between their layers, so trim, split and rinse well before slicing.
- Adjust the vinegar at the end: Add the vinegar after the lentils are tender, then taste and brighten with a little more if the stew needs lift.
Make-ahead tips
- Good for batch cooking: Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container; the flavour remains hearty and savoury after reheating.
- Freezes well: Freeze the cooked stew in portions, defrost overnight in the fridge, and reheat gently with a splash of stock if needed.
Authenticity notes
- Home-style Eintopf: Linseneintopf is a classic German one-pot lentil stew, often built around simple vegetables, a savoury broth and a sharp finish.
- Mustard at the table: Serving mustard alongside lets each person add the familiar tangy bite that works well with lentils and root vegetables.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim the leek, then wash well to remove any grit and slice. Peel the carrots and celeriac, then cut into small, even pieces so they cook at the same rate.
- Heat the rapeseed oil in a large pot over a medium heat. Add the leek, carrots and celeriac and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the leek softens and the vegetables start to smell sweet.
- Stir in the dried green lentils and bay leaves, then pour in the vegetable stock. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar and simmer for 2 minutes. Finely chop the fresh parsley and stir most of it through, then taste and add a little more vinegar if you want a brighter finish.
- Ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle with the remaining parsley. Serve piping hot with the dijon mustard on the side for stirring in at the table.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For a thicker, more traditional texture, lightly crush a few spoonfuls of lentils against the side of the pot near the end of cooking, then stir back through.
- Keep the simmer gentle so the lentils stay intact and the vegetables do not break down too quickly.
- If serving to vulnerable groups, use pasteurised mustard and ensure the stew is reheated until piping hot throughout.
Substitutions
- Replace apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar for a slightly sharper acidity.
- Replace dijon mustard with whole-grain mustard for a more rustic texture.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months; defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a pot with a splash of vegetable stock until piping hot.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 55min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: German
-
Allergens:
Mustard
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