Description
Creamy Marry Me Lentils is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender green or brown lentils simmered in a rich blend of coconut milk and aromatic spices. Enhanced with fresh spinach, this hearty vegan recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and vibrant flavors, ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Lentils and Liquids
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 3 cups vegetable broth
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Spices
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
Other
- Olive oil for sautéing (about 1-2 tbsp)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cool running water until the water runs clear to remove any dust or impurities. Dice the yellow onion finely and mince the garlic cloves.
- Sauté Onions: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add Lentils and Spices: To the pot, add the rinsed lentils along with ground cumin, turmeric, and paprika. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to toast the spices and coat the lentils evenly.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and the full-fat coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook Lentils: Partially cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the lentils simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and have absorbed the flavors.
- Add Spinach: Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, which will only take a couple of minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve warm.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- You can substitute coconut milk with almond milk or cashew cream for a different creamy texture.
- This dish can be paired well with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to make a more substantial meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To add protein, consider topping with roasted chickpeas or a dollop of plant-based yogurt.
