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!

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils in a fine mesh sieve under cool running water. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, and the bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.

Step 8

Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with crusty bread, rice, or enjoy on its own!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2078.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1069.8

Total Fat 40.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4181.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 145.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 46.4g	0%
Total Sugars 39.5g
Protein 46.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 609.1mg	0%
Iron 20.7mg	0%
Potassium 4897.7mg	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: 32.0%

Protein: 16.4%

Carbs: 51.6%