Wayfinder Inspired Cooking: Savory Wild Mushroom & Red Lentil Stew — Inspired Cooking

# Wayfinder's Savory Wild Mushroom & Red Lentil Stew Whether you are returning from an outdoor trail or unwinding after a busy workday, this rich, earthy stew offers warm comfort and steady sustenance in a single pot. Packed with wholesome vegetables, whole lentils, and savory mushrooms, it is a nourishing choice designed to keep you energized. ### Quick Metrics * **Difficulty:** 4/10 (Simple knife work and one pot—suitable for most cooks!) * **Time required:** 35 minutes (Quick enough for a weeknight dinner, comforting enough for a Sunday!) * **Cost:** Cheap (Budget-friendly staple ingredients that don't skimp on depth or flavor!) --- ### Ingredients (Serves 4) * 1 tablespoon olive oil * 1 medium yellow onion, diced * 2 medium carrots, chopped * 2 celery stalks, chopped * 8 oz mixed wild mushrooms (such as cremini and shiitake), sliced * 3 cloves garlic, minced * 1 cup red or brown lentils, rinsed * 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium) * 1 teaspoon dried thyme * 1 bay leaf * Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste * Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) --- ### Cooking Instructions 1. **Sauté the Aromatics:** Heat olive oil in a large stew pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. 2. **Brown the Mushrooms:** Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and take on a rich golden color. 3. **Simmer the Stew:** Stir in the rinsed lentils, dried thyme, bay leaf, and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then turn down the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the lentils are soft and tender. 4. **Season & Serve:** Remove the bay leaf. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and enjoy alongside crusty whole grain bread. --- ### Nutritional Profile (Per Serving) * **Calories:** ~280 kcal * **Protein:** 16 g * **Fiber:** 12 g * **Carbohy