Irresistible Creamy Marry Me Lentils (Printable version)
Comforting lentils in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with herbs and spices.
# What You'll Need:
→ 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)
# How to Prepare:
01 - Combine lentils and broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered until just tender, about 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 for another minute until fragrant.
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 thickened and creamy, about 5 minutes. Ensure everything is heated through.
05 - Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir in fresh basil and serve hot, garnished with extra basil and additional Parmesan if desired.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The sauce is rich and velvety, the kind that makes you want to lick your plate
- It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day
02 -
- Dont overcook the lentils initially, theyll continue softening in the creamy sauce
- The sauce will thicken as it stands, so dont panic if it looks slightly loose at first
03 -
- Reserve some of the sun-dried tomato oil to drizzle over the finished dish
- Grate your own Parmesan for the smoothest melting texture