Lucky Lentils

Savor the hearty warmth and vibrant flavor of Lucky Lentils, a wholesome and satisfying recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Packed with protein-rich brown or green lentils, aromatic vegetables, and a robust blend of spices like cumin, paprika, and thyme, this one-pot dish delivers a comforting bowl of goodness in just 50 minutes. Simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth with a touch of tomatoes, Lucky Lentils is versatile enough to be enjoyed solo, paired with crusty bread, or ladled over rice for a nourishing meal. Finish it with fresh parsley and a zingy squeeze of lemon for a bright, refreshing twist. This vegetarian-friendly recipe is not only easy to make but also ideal for meal prep, making it a go-to for healthy, comforting eats. Keywords: hearty lentil recipe, vegetarian dinner idea, protein-rich soup, healthy meal prep.

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown or green lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils under cold water and set them aside.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the cumin, paprika, and dried thyme, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 5

Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Toss in the bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 7

Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9

Optional: Stir in chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.

Step 10

Serve the Lucky Lentils warm, either on their own, with crusty bread, or over rice for a more filling meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1697.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1007.4

Total Fat 38.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3568.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 135.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 36.7g	0%
Total Sugars 34.8g
Protein 41.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 338.5mg	0%
Iron 15.6mg	0%
Potassium 3660.0mg	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: 33.2%

Protein: 15.6%

Carbs: 51.3%