Portobello and Basil Lentil Stew

Chef #862526's Note:

Hearty vegetarian stew. Great for mushroom lovers. I got this from Self Magazine a few years ago.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 1 hrs
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups diced portabella mushrooms
• 1 small green pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 6 cups stock
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1 1/2 cups red lentils
• 1 bunch basil
• 1/3 cup dry sherry

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in large soup pot and saute onion, garlic, mushrooms, green pepper,salt and white pepper together until mushrooms are tender (about 5 min). Add stock and tomato paste. Mix until tomato paste is completely blend into stock. Stir in lentils and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover and cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occassionally. Add basil and simmer, with pot covered, 15 minutes longer. Add extra salt and pepper to taste. Serve in individual bowls and float one tablespoon of dry sherry on top of each bowl. Garnish with remaining basil leaves.