Description
Marry Me Lentils is a creamy, flavorful, and hearty dish that combines the rich taste of lentils with a savory sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s loaded with garlic, Italian seasoning, and just the right amount of spice from smoked paprika and red pepper flakes. The dish comes together beautifully with a silky cream sauce and a burst of tang from fresh lemon juice. This recipe is vegan-friendly, dairy-free, and can be made gluten-free depending on the side dis
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry lentils (black, brown, or green)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (or nutritional yeast for a vegan version)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the lentils: Rinse and cook lentils in boiling water until tender (about 20-30 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Add seasonings: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer: Pour in vegetable broth and cooked lentils. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Finish with lemon juice and garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
These rich, creamy lentils are perfect over fluffy rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. Want to level it up? Add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving. Comfort food with a touch of romance!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Fusion
Keywords: Marry Me Lentils