Marry Me Lentils Recipe

Introduction

Marry Me Lentils is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender lentils with aromatic herbs and sun-dried tomatoes. This rich and creamy lentil stew is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you want something hearty yet simple to make.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
• 1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup canned coconut milk or heavy cream (for richness)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a boil.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Step 6: Stir in coconut milk (or cream), season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes to thicken.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Swap coconut milk with heavy cream for a richer, dairy version.
• Add chopped vegetables like spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
• Use brown lentils if you prefer a softer texture, but adjust cooking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover lentils in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned lentils instead of dry?

Yes, but reduce cooking time since canned lentils are already cooked. Add them in the last 5–10 minutes and adjust liquid accordingly.

Is this recipe vegan?

It is vegan if you use coconut milk. Using heavy cream will make it vegetarian but not vegan.

Marry Me Lentils Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 102 reviews

Marry Me Lentils is a wholesome and flavorful lentil dish simmered with aromatic herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of creaminess from coconut milk or heavy cream. This comforting recipe is perfect as a hearty vegetarian main or a satisfying side, offering rich textures and savory flavors that marry beautifully in every bite.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Vegetarian, Mediterranean-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
• 1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup canned coconut milk or heavy cream (for richness)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
2. Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried thyme, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the spices release their aroma.
3. Mingle Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavors and combine the ingredients well.
4. Add Lentils and Broth: Pour in the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
5. Simmer Lentils: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Add Creaminess and Season: Stir in the canned coconut milk or heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue simmering uncovered for 5 more minutes to thicken the dish and blend the creamy texture.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm as a comforting and nutritious meal.

Notes

• You can substitute coconut milk with heavy cream or plain yogurt for different creamy textures.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance; omit for a milder dish.
• Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or substitute with chicken broth if not vegetarian.
• Sun-dried tomatoes add depth; if unavailable, consider tomato paste and fresh tomatoes.
• Lentils should be rinsed well to remove dirt or debris before cooking.

Keywords: lentils, vegetarian recipe, comfortable meal, Mediterranean, creamy lentils, sun-dried tomatoes, healthy dinner, plant-based, easy stovetop recipe