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Marry Me Lentils Recipe

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4.1 from 58 reviews

Marry Me Lentils is a creamy, flavorful vegetarian dish that combines wholesome lentils with sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and rich coconut milk. This comforting recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy meal packed with nutrients and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons oil from a jar of sundried tomatoes
  • 2 cups canned lentils (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup red onion (finely diced)
  • 6 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • ½ cup coconut milk
  • 2 cups spinach (chopped)
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 bunch basil (chopped)

For Garnish and Serving

  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: Additional coconut milk for drizzling
  • Optional: Additional nutritional yeast for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Heat oil and sauté onions: In a large sauté pan, heat the sundried tomato oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced red onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add seasonings and tomato base: If needed, add a bit more oil. Stir in the Italian seasoning and smoked paprika. Mix in the tomato paste and chopped sundried tomatoes. Cook this mixture for 1–2 minutes until it becomes rich and well combined.
  3. Incorporate lentils and simmer: Add the drained lentils to the pan and stir well to coat them with the tomato mixture. Increase the heat slightly, pour in the vegetable stock, and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  4. Finish with coconut milk and greens: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the coconut milk, nutritional yeast, chopped spinach, and chopped basil. Continue cooking just until the spinach wilts and the dish is heated through.
  5. Serve and garnish: Spoon the lentils into bowls. Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh basil, a crack of black pepper, and, if desired, drizzle extra coconut milk or sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top for added creaminess and flavor.

Notes

  • Use canned lentils for convenience and to reduce cooking time; rinse thoroughly before use.
  • The oil from sun-dried tomatoes adds excellent flavor – if unavailable, use olive oil and increase sun-dried tomato quantity slightly.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the smoked paprika, for your preferred smoky depth.
  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes when cooking the onions.
  • This dish is ideal served warm with crusty bread or over rice for a fuller meal.