Warm Spiced Lentils

Cozy up with a bowl of Warm Spiced Lentils, a hearty and nutrient-packed dish bursting with bold, aromatic flavors. This vegetarian recipe combines red lentils with a medley of fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and turmeric, enhanced by the warming touch of a cinnamon stick. Cooked in a rich vegetable broth with tomatoes, onions, and carrots, this one-pot wonder is ready in just 45 minutes and perfect for a quick, healthy dinner. Serve these flavorful lentils with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon for a bright, tangy finish. Naturally gluten-free and high in protein, this comforting recipe is as wholesome as it is satisfying—a must-try for spice lovers and cozy meal enthusiasts alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, diced onion
• 1 medium, diced carrot
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 whole cinnamon stick
• 1 cup red lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (14 oz/400 g) can of diced tomatoes
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoons (or to taste) salt
• 0.25 teaspoons (or to taste) black pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, for garnish) fresh cilantro
• 4 for serving (optional) lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the diced onion and carrot, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, and the cinnamon stick. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the mixture has thickened.

Step 6

Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaf, and discard them. Season the lentils with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7

Serve the warm spiced lentils in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Pair with lemon wedges for a bright, tangy finish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1826.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1052.1

Total Fat 39.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3973.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 145.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 39.7g	0%
Total Sugars 39.3g
Protein 41.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 385.3mg	0%
Iron 17.1mg	0%
Potassium 3687.8mg	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: 32.1%

Protein: 15.0%

Carbs: 52.8%