Description
Creamy Marry Me Lentils is a comforting and flavorful vegan dish featuring tender green or brown lentils simmered in rich full-fat coconut milk and fragrant spices. Enhanced with fresh spinach, this hearty recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Lentils and Liquids
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 3 cups vegetable broth
Vegetables
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the lentils under cool running water until the water runs clear to remove any debris or dust. Dice the large yellow onion finely and mince the garlic cloves carefully for even sautéing.
- Sauté Onions: Heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and soft, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step builds the aromatic base for the lentils.
- Add Lentils and Spices: Stir in the rinsed lentils along with the ground cumin, turmeric, and paprika. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the lentils well with the spices and to release their flavors.
- Add Broth and Coconut Milk: Pour in the vegetable broth and full-fat coconut milk, then increase heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer Lentils: Partially cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the lentils to simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are tender and have absorbed the flavorful liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Wilt Spinach: Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach leaves. Continue cooking for a few minutes until the spinach has wilted but remains vibrant and fresh.
Notes
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamier, richer base; light coconut milk will result in a thinner consistency.
- Brown or green lentils work best as they hold their shape well during simmering.
- Feel free to add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste when adding the broth.
- This dish pairs well with warm crusty bread or steamed rice.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes to reduce the liquid.
