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Creamy "Marry Me" Lentils

A quick, creamy, and delicious lentil dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights and will impress anyone at the dinner table.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Vegetarian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup dried lentils any color
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup spinach fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup coconut milk for creaminess
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (optional) such as parsley or cilantro for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse the lentils in a sieve under cold water.
  2. In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cooking
  1. Add rinsed lentils and 3 cups of water (or vegetable broth) to the pot. Bring to a boil.
  2. Lower the heat, cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes or until lentils are tender.
  3. Stir in coconut milk and spinach. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
Serving
  1. Spoon creamy lentils into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

These lentils keep well in the fridge and can be made in advance. For variations, consider adding cooked bacon, sausage, or a dollop of Greek yogurt when serving.