Healthy Lentil Dip for Cheapo Cooks on a Budget

Whip up a wallet-friendly, protein-packed snack with this Healthy Lentil Dip for Cheapo Cooks on a Budget! Perfect for anyone looking to eat well without breaking the bank, this creamy dip combines tender red lentils with zesty lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and a warm blend of cumin and paprika for a flavorful twist. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy, budget-conscious option for meal prep, potlucks, or healthy snacking. Best of all, this veggie-based dip is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and endlessly versatile—serve it alongside fresh veggies, crackers, pita bread, or even as a sandwich spread. Garnish with a touch of parsley for a fresh finish and enjoy guilt-free indulgence on a dime!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dry red lentils
• 2.5 cups Water
• 2 whole Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dry red lentils thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils and 2.5 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4

Once cooked, drain any excess water from the lentils, and allow them to cool slightly for 5 minutes.

Step 5

In a food processor or blender, combine the cooked lentils, peeled garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. If the dip is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water and blend again to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7

Taste the dip and adjust the seasonings if needed, adding more salt, lemon juice, or spices to your liking.

Step 8

Transfer the lentil dip to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkling of paprika, if desired.

Step 9

Serve with fresh vegetables, crackers, pita bread, or as a spread for sandwiches. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(872.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	997.2

Total Fat 30.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1217.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 132.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.5g	0%
Total Sugars 4.9g
Protein 52.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 173.0mg	0%
Iron 17.4mg	0%
Potassium 2044.8mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.3%

Protein: 20.8%

Carbs: 51.9%