Mindful Recipe: Vegan Roasted Beetroot & Lentil Stew with Thyme Dumplings

This comforting stew is rich in earthy flavors, vibrant in color, and full of plant-based protein. The thyme dumplings add a cozy, herby finish that makes it a true winter hug in a bowl.

🌿 Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large red onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 medium beetroot, peeled and chopped into chunks
• 1 parsnip, peeled and chopped
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
• 1 litre vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of half a lemon (for brightness)

For the Thyme Dumplings:

• 1 cup plain flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
• 4–5 tbsp plant-based milk (unsweetened)

🍲 Instructions

1. Roast the beetroot: Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Toss beetroot chunks in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Make the stew base: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic, carrots, celery, and parsnip. Cook for 5–7 minutes.
3. Stir in paprika, cumin, rosemary, and bay leaf. Add lentils, tomato paste, tamari, and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 25 minutes.
4. Add roasted beetroot to the pot and simmer for another 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
5. Prepare dumplings: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and thyme. Rub in vegan butter or oil until crumbly. Stir in plant milk to form a soft dough. Roll into small balls.
6. Drop dumplings gently into the simmering stew. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.

🌟 Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh parsley or dill
• Serve with crusty sourdough or garlic toast
• Add a swirl of vegan yogurt or cashew cream for extra richness

This dish is perfect for cold evenings, meal prep, or sharing with friends. It’s packed with fiber, iron, and antioxidants — and it celebrates beetroot in all its earthy glory.