Healthy Lentil Dip for Cheapo Cooks on a Budget
Whip up a wallet-friendly, protein-packed snack with this Healthy Lentil Dip for Cheapo Cooks on a Budget! Perfect for anyone looking to eat well without breaking the bank, this creamy dip combines tender red lentils with zesty lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and a warm blend of cumin and paprika for a flavorful twist. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy, budget-conscious option for meal prep, potlucks, or healthy snacking. Best of all, this veggie-based dip is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and endlessly versatile—serve it alongside fresh veggies, crackers, pita bread, or even as a sandwich spread. Garnish with a touch of parsley for a fresh finish and enjoy guilt-free indulgence on a dime!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dry red lentils
- 2.5 cups Water
- 2 whole Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the dry red lentils thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils and 2.5 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once cooked, drain any excess water from the lentils, and allow them to cool slightly for 5 minutes.
In a food processor or blender, combine the cooked lentils, peeled garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. If the dip is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water and blend again to reach your desired consistency.
Taste the dip and adjust the seasonings if needed, adding more salt, lemon juice, or spices to your liking.
Transfer the lentil dip to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkling of paprika, if desired.
Serve with fresh vegetables, crackers, pita bread, or as a spread for sandwiches. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
997 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.9 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1217 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 132.1 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.5 g | 80% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.9 g | ||
| Protein | 52.8 g | 106% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 173 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 17.4 mg | 97% | |
| Potassium | 2045 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
