Spiced Lentils

Warm up your weeknight meals with this flavorful Spiced Lentils recipe, a vibrant and protein-packed dish infused with aromatic spices and zesty fresh ingredients. Perfectly tender green or brown lentils simmer in a fragrant blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon, with a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick. A medley of sautéed onion, garlic, and grated ginger adds depth, while diced tomatoes and a splash of lemon juice brighten the dish. Ready in just 45 minutes, this one-pot recipe is as easy as it is satisfying. Serve it as a wholesome main course with rice or naan, or enjoy it as a hearty side dish. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, Spiced Lentils is a versatile crowd-pleaser that brings bold, comforting flavors to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon, grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon (optional) cayenne pepper
• 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional) fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toast the spices for 30 seconds to release their aroma.

Step 6

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 7

Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth (or water), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the mixture has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 9

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 10

Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro (if using) and the lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.

Step 11

Serve hot as a main dish with rice, naan, or crusty bread, or as a hearty side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1500.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	671.4

Total Fat 31.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5656.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 80.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.4g	0%
Total Sugars 22.6g
Protein 25.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 294.0mg	0%
Iron 13.5mg	0%
Potassium 2470.4mg	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: 40.1%

Protein: 14.5%

Carbs: 45.4%