Hearty Harvest Vegan Slow Cooker Stew

This comforting, plant-based stew is the perfect way to make the most of your slow cooker. Brimming with nutritious vegetables, hearty lentils, and fragrant herbs, it’s a fuss-free dish that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. Cozy up to a bowl of this nourishing meal and soak in all the goodness!

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• A drizzle of olive oil (optional)

Instructions

Begin by adding your rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. If you’d like an extra layer of flavor, drizzle in a bit of olive oil at this point for added richness.

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Let the stew simmer undisturbed for about 6–8 hours, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. If you’re pressed for time, set it on high for 4–5 hours. Taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasonings with salt and black pepper. Remove the bay leaf, and you’re ready to serve up a steaming bowl packed with taste and nutrition!

This recipe is wonderful for cozy family dinners, meal prep, or as a lunchtime staple. It’s hearty enough for plant-based eaters while also appealing to anyone looking for a warming, protein-packed dish. You can experiment by swapping in different vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or mushrooms, or by stirring in leafy greens at the end for an extra nutrient boost. It’s a down-to-earth, no-fuss crowd-pleaser that will keep you satisfied without any complicated steps—proof that vegan meals can be both simple and sumptuous.