Creamy Marry Me Lentils Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Marry Me Lentils are a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender lentils with rich coconut milk and vibrant spices. This easy one-pot recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal or a cozy lunch. Packed with greens and a hint of lime, it’s both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Step 2: In a large pot over medium heat, warm some olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth, then bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
4. Step 4: Add the coconut milk and stir until well combined. Simmer uncovered until the mixture slightly thickens.
5. Step 5: Mix in the spinach or kale, lime juice, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir until the greens wilt. Serve hot, optionally with lime wedges or fresh herbs.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, toast the cumin and paprika in the pot before adding the onion.
• Swap kale for fresh spinach for a milder flavor and quicker cooking time.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy twist.
• Serve over rice or with warm flatbread to make it a more filling meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to loosen the consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of green or brown?

Red lentils cook faster and tend to break down more, creating a creamier texture. If using red lentils, reduce the cooking time and check frequently to avoid overcooking.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as it uses only plant-based ingredients and gluten-free lentils and broth. Just ensure your vegetable broth is gluten-free if needed.

Creamy Marry Me Lentils Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 86 reviews

Creamy Marry Me Lentils is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender green or brown lentils simmered in rich coconut milk and aromatic spices, enhanced with fresh spinach or kale and a zesty lime finish. Perfect as a hearty vegan meal that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare on the stovetop.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Vegan, Vegetarian
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove any debris or dust. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves to prepare for sautéing.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Cook Lentils: Add the rinsed lentils to the pot along with the vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
4. Add Coconut Milk and Thicken: Pour in the coconut milk, stirring well to combine with the lentils. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce and meld the flavors together.
5. Incorporate Greens and Spices: Stir in the fresh spinach or kale along with the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and lime juice. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the greens have wilted and the spices are evenly distributed.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve the creamy lentils hot. Optionally garnish with extra lime wedges or fresh herbs such as cilantro for added brightness and flavor.

Notes

• Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture.
• You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or other leafy greens based on preference.
• Adjust spices to taste, adding more smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
• Serve with steamed rice, crusty bread, or as a base for roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: lentils, creamy lentils, coconut milk, vegan dinner, spinach, kale, plant-based protein, healthy lentil recipe, easy stovetop meal