Get ready for a flavor-packed, heartwarming dish that’s sure to win you over—Marry Me Lentils! These lentils are bursting with savory goodness, and the blend of herbs and spices will make your taste buds do a happy dance. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a big, cozy hug, yet it’s healthy, hearty, and packed with plant-based protein. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be saying, “Marry me, lentils!” because they’re that good.
Why You’ll Love Marry Me Lentils
This recipe isn’t just about a meal; it’s about the experience of savoring every bite. Whether you’re enjoying a weeknight dinner or prepping for a weekend feast, Marry Me Lentils will make your table shine. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile: Serve them on their own, or pair them with rice, quinoa, or a side of roasted vegetables. They’re as adaptable as they are delicious.
Budget-Friendly: Lentils are inexpensive and fill you up, making this a perfect meal for any day of the week without straining your wallet.
Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a culinary genius to make these lentils! With simple ingredients and just a bit of stirring, you’ve got a dish that’s packed with flavor in no time.
Customizable: Want to add some heat? Toss in a pinch of chili flakes. Looking for a bit of creaminess? Stir in some coconut milk or a dollop of yogurt at the end.
Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is perfect for everything from family dinners to potlucks. It’s easy to make a big batch and guarantee everyone will love it.
Ingredients in Marry Me Lentils
Here’s what you’ll need to create this wonderful dish. The ingredients come together so beautifully, making a nutritious meal with a burst of flavor.
Lentils: The star of the show! Lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and all sorts of nutrients. They soak up all the flavors while still holding their shape.
Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy tomatoes provide a beautiful balance of acidity and sweetness, creating a rich base for the dish.
Garlic: Aromatic and bold, garlic adds depth and warmth to the lentils.
Onion: Sweet and savory, onions bring the perfect foundation to the dish with a touch of caramelization.
Cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin gives this dish that deliciously spiced flavor.
Coriander: Slightly citrusy and floral, coriander adds a lovely fresh touch to the mix.
Vegetable Broth: This brings the lentils to life, adding a rich base for them to cook in and infuse all those amazing flavors.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding a touch of richness to the dish.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens everything up and ties the dish together with a refreshing zing.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make these delicious Marry Me Lentils:
Preheat Your Pan: Heat a large pan over medium heat and drizzle in some olive oil. Get the oil nice and hot, so your veggies start to soften and caramelize.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until they’re soft and fragrant. The smell will start to fill your kitchen—trust me, you’ll love it!
Add the Spices: Stir in the cumin and coriander. Let them cook for another minute to release their full flavor. You’ll notice the spices start to toast and become aromatic.
Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until they soften and release their juices. This will create a rich, flavorful base for your lentils.
Add the Lentils and Broth: Pour in the lentils and vegetable broth, stirring everything together. Bring it to a simmer and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
Finishing Touches: Once the lentils are cooked, squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten everything up. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, and enjoy the cozy, satisfying goodness of these Marry Me Lentils! They’re great on their own, or served alongside a fresh salad or grains like rice or quinoa.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 220
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Marry Me Lentils
These Marry Me Lentils are as versatile as they are tasty. Here are a few ideas to serve them:
- Pair them with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa to make the dish more filling.
- Serve them with a side of roasted vegetables for an added nutritional boost.
- Spoon them into pita pockets or wraps for a delicious handheld meal.
- Top with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of tahini for extra creaminess.
- Add a side of crisp greens or a simple cucumber salad to balance out the richness.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make the most out of this recipe:
- You can add a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a little coconut milk or cream after the lentils have finished cooking.
- This dish also freezes well, so feel free to make a big batch and save some for later.
- If you like more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when sautéing the garlic and onions.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
Yes! You can use canned lentils; just drain and rinse them before adding them to the pan. Reduce the cooking time as canned lentils are already cooked.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! Marry Me Lentils taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Just store them in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
3. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! This dish is 100% vegan and packed with plant-based protein.
4. Can I make this spicier?
Yes! Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a diced jalapeño to the recipe to give it some extra heat.
5. Can I freeze Marry Me Lentils?
Yes, this recipe freezes well! Just let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
6. Can I use different spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices like turmeric, paprika, or garam masala to suit your taste.
7. What other vegetables can I add?
You can add carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to the dish for added texture and flavor.
8. Can I serve this dish with meat?
Yes, this pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish if you’re not keeping it vegetarian.
9. Can I use vegetable stock cubes instead of broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable stock cubes; just be sure to dissolve them in water before adding them to the lentils.
10. What can I substitute for lemon juice?
If you don’t have lemon juice, try lime juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy finish.
Conclusion
Marry Me Lentils are the perfect comfort food, easy to make, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. With its satisfying texture, savory spices, and healthy ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite, and trust me—you’ll want to make this recipe again and again!
Print
Marry Me Lentils
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Marry Me Lentils is a creamy, flavorful lentil dish inspired by the famous ‘Marry Me’ chicken recipe—made plant-based with protein-packed lentils, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, spiced sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
- 1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk or heavy cream (for richness)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in coconut milk (or cream), season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes to thicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Pairs well with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
- Use red lentils for a creamier, softer texture (reduce cook time to 15–20 minutes).
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg