Lively Lentils
Discover the hearty comfort of "Lively Lentils," a vibrant, nutrient-packed lentil dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make. This one-pot recipe combines protein-rich green or brown lentils with a medley of sautéed vegetables, earthy spices like cumin and paprika, and a bright touch of fresh spinach and lemon juice. Simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth and enhanced by the natural sweetness of diced tomatoes, this dish is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner or meal prep staple. Ready in just 50 minutes and fully customizable, "Lively Lentils" pairs beautifully with crusty bread or fluffy rice for a complete meal. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and packed with plant-based protein and fiber, this dish is both nourishing and delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery stalk, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the lentils in a fine mesh sieve under cool running water. Set aside.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, and the bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with crusty bread, rice, or enjoy on its own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
260 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.8 g | 13% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.4 g | 7% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 847 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.0 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.8 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.4 g | ||
| Protein | 10.8 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 102 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 1097 mg | 23% | |
*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.
