Description
Creamy Marry Me Lentils is a comforting and nutritious dish featuring tender green or brown lentils simmered in rich full-fat coconut milk and aromatic spices. Enhanced with fresh spinach and vegetable broth, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a creamy texture and vibrant flavors perfect for a wholesome vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Lentils and Broth
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 3 cups vegetable broth
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Spices and Dairy Alternatives
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- Olive oil for sautéing (about 1 tbsp)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the lentils under cool running water until the water runs clear to remove any dirt or impurities. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Onions: Heat a large pot over medium heat and drizzle in olive oil. Add the diced onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant, creating a flavor base for the lentils.
- Add Lentils and Spices: To the pot, add the rinsed lentils along with ground cumin, turmeric, and paprika. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to coat the lentils and onions evenly with the spices, enhancing the dish’s aroma and depth.
- Simmer with Liquids: Pour in the vegetable broth and the full can of coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on medium heat, ensuring the coconut milk integrates smoothly with the broth and spices.
- Cook Lentils: Partially cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the lentils to simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and have absorbed the flavorful liquids.
- Add Spinach: Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach leaves into the hot lentils. Allow the spinach to wilt in the residual heat for about 2-3 minutes to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
Notes
- Use green or brown lentils as they hold their shape well during simmering and provide a firm texture.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste after cooking since the recipe does not specify these.
- For a vegan and dairy-free dish, full-fat coconut milk provides creaminess and richness.
- Serving suggestion: enjoy with warm naan bread or over rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
