Marry Me Lentils (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
Oil from sundried tomatoes, ideal for frying
02 -
1 cup dried lentils (black, brown, or green) or 2 cans of lentils ready-to-go (2.5 cups once cooked)
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1 small red onion, chopped into tiny pieces
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6 garlic cloves, smashed
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2 teaspoons of fennel seeds, lightly crushed
06 -
1 tablespoon of mixed Italian herbs
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
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3 tablespoons tomato paste for richness
09 -
1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, diced small
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2 cups (480 ml) flavorful veggie broth
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3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream (or double cream)
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1 cup (100 g) grated cheese like parmesan, pecorino, or any hard cheese
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A small bunch of basil, finely chopped
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A few lemon wedges for adding a citrusy zing at the table
# Instructions:
01 -
Start cooking your lentils early if you're using the dried kind. Get them ready while you're working on everything else.
02 -
Black lentils in an Instant Pot? Perfect! Just toss in 1 cup with 1.75 cups salted water, cook at HIGH for 9 minutes, then let the pressure drop naturally for 10 minutes. Using the stovetop? Simmer them in 3.5 cups salted water for around 20 minutes—they should be soft but not mushy.
03 -
Warm up some sundried tomato oil in a big pan over medium-low heat. Toss in the onion and cook until soft. Add the garlic. Stir for about half a minute to let the flavors pop.
04 -
Sprinkle in the fennel seeds, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir them gently over low heat so they release their aroma. Whatever you do, don't let them burn!
05 -
Now, it’s time for the tomato goodness. Stir in both the paste and the sundried tomatoes. Keep mixing until they're well blended into the onion-garlic mixture.
06 -
Once the lentils are cooked, let them drain in a fine sieve. Rinse several times under running water to remove any leftover cooking liquid or color.
07 -
Place the rinsed and drained lentils into your pan. Pour in the vegetable broth, stir everything, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Cover the pan at first, then uncover it a few minutes before the end to let things thicken up.
08 -
Turn the heat way down and gently stir in cream, grated cheese, and basil. Mix until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce and the basil softens.
09 -
Let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes so it sets a bit more. Give it a final stir and serve it warm with a couple of lemon slices on the side.
# Notes:
01 -
This goes great with bread, rice, or even as a topping for roasted sweet potatoes. Perfect for mixing things up!