Lentils with Onion and Garlic
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this flavorful and wholesome Lentils with Onion and Garlic recipe! Combining hearty green or brown lentils simmered to perfection with a fragrant medley of sautéed onion, garlic, and warm spices like cumin and paprika, this dish is a comforting yet nutritious powerhouse. Infused with the aromatic notes of dried thyme and finished with a pop of fresh parsley, this easy, one-pan recipe is ready in just 45 minutes and makes a versatile centerpiece or side dish. Perfect for vegan and vegetarian diets, it’s a protein-packed, fiber-rich option that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly. Serve it over rice, pair it with crusty bread, or enjoy it as is for a wholesome, flavor-packed meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry lentils (green or brown)
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil.
Add the lentils to the boiling liquid and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally and skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
While the lentils are cooking, peel and finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until soft and golden brown.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Add the ground cumin, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed and fragrant, about 1 minute.
Once the lentils are cooked, drain any excess liquid and add the lentils to the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture. Stir well to coat the lentils in the spices.
Cook everything together for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Remove from heat and transfer the lentils to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1091 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.7 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4026 mg | 175% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 154.6 g | 56% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.9 g | 96% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.0 g | ||
| Protein | 56.4 g | 113% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 232 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 16.5 mg | 92% | |
| Potassium | 2018 mg | 43% | |
*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.
