When it comes to comfort food that warms the soul and delights the taste buds, creamy lentils steal the spotlight. This dish is not only a culinary hug on chilly evenings but also a nutritional powerhouse—perfect for those seeking both flavor and nourishment. Packed with hearty lentils, aromatic herbs, savory tomatoes, and a delectable creamy finish, this recipe transcends ordinary meals, inviting you to savor each spoonful.
The allure of creamy lentils lies in their versatility and simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just getting your feet wet in the culinary world, this dish offers an approachable way to create something spectacular with minimal fuss. The combination of flavors—from the rich depth of sun-dried tomatoes to the aromatic hint of fennel seeds—ensures each bite is a journey of tastes and textures. Plus, with minimal prep and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for weeknights when time is of the essence but quality cannot be compromised.
Moreover, this recipe doubles as a feast for the senses. The vibrant colors and fragrant aromas that fill your kitchen while preparing it are nothing short of delightful, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So, get ready to impress friends, family, and even yourself with this irresistibly hearty and creamy lentil dish.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lentils Recipe
- Hearty Comfort: Provides warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
- Nutrient-Rich: Lentils are an excellent source of protein and fiber.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh additions for maximum flavor.
- Quick and Easy: A meal that’s ready with minimal prep, ideal for busy nights.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with various spices and add-ins.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into cooking, it’s essential to create a seamless workspace to ensure your creamy lentils come together effortlessly. Start by gathering all the ingredients and having them prepped and measured. This mise en place strategy streamlines your cooking process, allowing you to focus solely on bringing this flavorful dish to life. Use a large skillet or saucepan for cooking to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry black, brown, or green lentils (or 2½ cups cooked / 2 cans drained)
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 6 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tsp fennel seeds, crushed
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan or pecorino
- 1 bunch fresh basil, chopped
- Oil from sun-dried tomato jar, for cooking
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Lentils
If starting with dried lentils, choose your method. For the Instant Pot, combine 1 cup of lentils with 1¾ cups of water and cook on high for 9 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release. Alternatively, on the stovetop, simmer the lentils in 3½ cups of water for about 20 minutes until they’re tender. Drain and rinse when done.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil from your sun-dried tomato jar in a large pan. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until it softens and becomes translucent. Toss in the garlic, letting it cook briefly, about 30 seconds, to release its fragrance without burning.
Step 3: Toast the Spices
Incorporate the crushed fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika into the pan. Allow these spices to toast lightly. This process amplifies their flavors, leaving a fragrant aroma that’s the foundation of your lentil dish.
Step 4: Add Tomato Base
Mix in the tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir them well, ensuring they are evenly incorporated with the sautéed ingredients and providing a rich base for your lentils. Turn off the heat at this stage.
Step 5: Combine Lentils
Introduce the cooked lentils to the pan, stirring to meld them with your aromatic tomato mixture. Any excess moisture should be mostly absorbed by this time.
Step 6: Simmer with Stock
Pour in the vegetable stock, partially cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This time allows flavors to meld and thickens the sauce to the right consistency.
Step 7: Incorporate Cream, Cheese & Basil
Lower the heat and gently fold in the heavy cream, grated parmesan, and fresh basil. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is beautifully combined into a smooth, creamy mixture.
Step 8: Let it Sit
Allow the dish to sit covered for about 5 minutes to thicken further. Serve your creamy lentils with lemon wedges for a refreshing balance to the dish’s richness.
Variations
- Protein: Add cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein.
- Vegetables: Incorporate spinach or kale for added greens and nutrients.
- Spices: Experiment with cayenne pepper for some heat.
Cooking Notes
- Lentils: Ensure lentils are tender before combining them with other ingredients.
- Vegetable Stock: Adjust the amount based on your preferred sauce consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Serve over quinoa or rice for a more filling meal.
Tips
- For a nutty flavor, toast your fennel seeds before crushing.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better texture and meltability.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 490 per serving
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 760mg
FAQs
What type of lentils is best for this recipe?
Black, brown, or green lentils work well due to their firmer texture that holds up nicely during cooking.
Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
Yes, canned lentils are a convenient option and can save you time, just skip the initial cooking step.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Swap the cream for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove.
Conclusion
This creamy lentils recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of warmth and comfort brought to your table. With its rich taste and nourishing ingredients, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Don’t be shy to experiment with variations, and share your version with friends and family. Encourage others to try this cozy delight and leave their thoughts. Happy cooking!
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Delicious Creamy Lentils for Comforting Dinners
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy lentils recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of warmth and comfort brought to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry black, brown, or green lentils (or 2½ cups cooked / 2 cans drained)
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 6 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tsp fennel seeds, crushed
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan or pecorino
- 1 bunch fresh basil, chopped
- Oil from sun-dried tomato jar, for cooking
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- If starting with dried lentils, choose your method. For the Instant Pot, combine 1 cup of lentils with 1¾ cups of water and cook on high for 9 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release. Alternatively, on the stovetop, simmer the lentils in 3½ cups of water for about 20 minutes until they’re tender. Drain and rinse when done.
- Heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil from your sun-dried tomato jar in a large pan. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until it softens and becomes translucent. Toss in the garlic, letting it cook briefly, about 30 seconds, to release its fragrance without burning.
- Incorporate the crushed fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika into the pan. Allow these spices to toast lightly. This process amplifies their flavors, leaving a fragrant aroma that’s the foundation of your lentil dish.
- Mix in the tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir them well, ensuring they are evenly incorporated with the sautéed ingredients and providing a rich base for your lentils. Turn off the heat at this stage.
- Introduce the cooked lentils to the pan, stirring to meld them with your aromatic tomato mixture. Any excess moisture should be mostly absorbed by this time.
- Pour in the vegetable stock, partially cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This time allows flavors to meld and thickens the sauce to the right consistency.
- Lower the heat and gently fold in the heavy cream, grated parmesan, and fresh basil. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is beautifully combined into a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Allow the dish to sit covered for about 5 minutes to thicken further. Serve your creamy lentils with lemon wedges for a refreshing balance to the dish’s richness.
Notes
Lentils: Ensure lentils are tender before combining them with other ingredients. Vegetable Stock: Adjust the amount based on your preferred sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Protein: 22 g