Lentils with Spinach

Savor the hearty goodness of **Lentils with Spinach**, a wholesome and nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. This one-pan recipe combines tender green or brown lentils with vibrant fresh spinach, sautéed onions, and garlic, all enhanced with earthy cumin, smoky paprika, and a zesty splash of lemon juice. Ready in just 45 minutes, this high-protein, vegan-friendly dish is as versatile as it is flavorful—serve it as a satisfying main course or a nourishing side. Whether paired with rice, crusty bread, or enjoyed on its own, this easy, healthy recipe is a must-try for lovers of comforting yet light fare. Perfect for anyone seeking a delicious way to elevate plant-based eating!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 6 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils under cold water to remove any debris. Place them in a medium saucepan with 3 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 2

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer the lentils for 20-25 minutes or until they are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set the lentils aside.

Step 3

While the lentils are cooking, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until translucent.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 6

Stir in the ground cumin and paprika, allowing the spices to toast slightly for about 30 seconds to release their aroma.

Step 7

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, a handful at a time, and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Lower the heat and gently fold the cooked lentils into the spinach mixture. Season with salt and black pepper, mixing to combine.

Step 9

Drizzle the lemon juice over the lentil and spinach mixture, stirring one last time. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.

Step 10

Serve warm as a main dish, alongside rice or bread, or as a healthy side dish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1328.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	631.3

Total Fat 30.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2535.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 69.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.9g	0%
Total Sugars 11.8g
Protein 25.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 332.2mg	0%
Iron 15.4mg	0%
Potassium 1162.2mg	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: 41.3%

Protein: 15.9%

Carbs: 42.8%