Vegan • Gluten-Free • Dairy-Free • Nut-Free
Serves: 4–6 | Prep time: 15–20 mins | Cook time: 30–35 mins | Total time: 45–55 mins
As the evenings grow cooler and the days shorter, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting stew to welcome the autumn and winter months. This Hearty Autumn Harvest Stew is packed full of seasonal vegetables, nourishing lentils, and fragrant herbs — making it both delicious and rich in nutrients to keep you cosy and energized as the seasons turn.
It’s perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner and is simple enough to make any day of the week.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped (approx. 150g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium carrots, chopped (approx. 400g)
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed (approx. 600g)
- 3 medium parsnips, chopped (approx. 350g)
- 3 medium potatoes, chopped (approx. 450g)
- 250g green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 can chopped tomatoes (approx. 400g)
- 1.2 litres vegetable stock
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 75g kale or spinach, added at the end
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add carrots, squash, parsnips, and potatoes. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in lentils, chopped tomatoes, vegetable stock, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30–35 minutes, until vegetables and lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir in kale or spinach just before serving.
- Serve hot with crusty bread — or enjoy as is for a wholesome, hearty meal.
Slow Cooker Option: Add all ingredients (except kale/spinach) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until vegetables and lentils are tender. Stir in greens at the end before serving.
Tips & Variations:
- Swap in any seasonal root vegetables you have on hand, like turnips or sweet potatoes.
- Add a splash of red wine when adding the stock and tomatoes to elevate the flavour — let it simmer so the alcohol cooks off.
- This stew reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Optional Note for Meat-Eaters:
For those who want to add meat, beef would make a delicious addition. Simply season chunks of beef with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, then sear them in a hot pan before adding to the pot with the vegetables and stock. Continue cooking as usual until tender.
This Hearty Autumn Harvest Stew is more than just a meal — it’s a celebration of the season’s abundance, a way to nourish your body, and a comforting ritual as the days grow shorter. Enjoy it with loved ones, or savour a quiet moment of warmth for yourself.