Hungarian Lentils
Warm, hearty, and packed with bold flavors, Hungarian Lentils is a comforting one-pot dish that brings traditional Eastern European flair to your table. This nutritious recipe combines tender green or brown lentils with a medley of sautéed vegetables, aromatic smoked paprika, and a subtle tang from red wine vinegar for a perfect balance of earthy and savory notes. Simmered to perfection with bay leaves, this easy-to-make, plant-based meal is rich in protein and ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prep. Ready in under an hour and garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish, Hungarian Lentils are as versatile as they are satisfying. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for a simple yet flavorful dish, this recipe is sure to please!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 4 cups water
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, diced carrot
- 1 diced celery stalk
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 whole bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish) flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
Thoroughly rinse the lentils under cold water and set them aside.
In a medium pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened but not browned.
Stir in the smoked paprika and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
Add the lentils to the pot and stir to coat them in the paprika and vegetable mixture.
Pour in the water and add the bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Remove the bay leaves from the pot.
Stir in the salt, black pepper, and red wine vinegar. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve the lentils warm, optionally garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
595 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.4 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.1 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2476 mg | 108% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 69.8 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.5 g | 84% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.1 g | ||
| Protein | 22.7 g | 45% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 224 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 9.8 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 1511 mg | 32% | |
*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.
