Irresistible Creamy Marry Me Lentils (Printable)
Rich, creamy lentils with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs create a comforting Mediterranean-style main.
# Ingredient List:
→ Lentils & Main
01 - 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
02 - 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or water)
→ Vegetables & Base
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
07 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Sauce & Finish
08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for vegan option)
12 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan (or vegan Parmesan alternative)
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
# Steps:
01 - Combine lentils and broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered until just tender, 20-25 minutes. Drain any excess liquid if needed.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes; cook another minute.
03 - Stir in oregano, thyme, and smoked paprika. Add the cooked lentils and toss to coat evenly in the aromatic mixture.
04 - Pour in cream and Parmesan. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring gently, until thick, creamy, and heated through, about 5 minutes.
05 - Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir in fresh basil.
06 - Serve hot, garnished with extra basil and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The creamy sauce coats every single lentil like a warm blanket
- Ready in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day
- Even people who swear they hate lentils ask for seconds
02 -
- The sauce will continue thickening as it stands, so do not reduce it too much on the stove
- Sun-dried tomatoes vary in saltiness, always taste before adding extra salt
- Coconut milk makes the sauce slightly sweeter, which actually works beautifully with the tomatoes
03 -
- Reserve a tablespoon of the sun-dried tomato oil and drizzle it over each bowl before serving
- Grate your own Parmesan instead of buying pre-grated, it melts into the sauce so much better