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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/creamy-marry-me-lentils-recipe/