Description
Looking for a cozy, easy dinner that’s hearty and loaded with flavor? Irresistible Creamy Marry Me Lentils is your answer. This one-pot, plant-based dish brings together earthy lentils, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious creamy sauce perfect for quick dinners, healthy snacks, or comfort food nights. Whether you’re after protein-rich vegan meals or savory dinner ideas, this easy recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt to taste
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
1 1/4 cups green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large Dutch oven or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture deepens in color.
4. Add lentils and vegetable broth. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
5. Once lentils are tender, stir in coconut milk and nutritional yeast. Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes to thicken.
6. Finish with lemon juice, adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve warm with fresh herbs, bread, or rice.
Notes
Soaking lentils for 20 minutes before cooking can reduce cooking time.
Let the tomato paste and aromatics caramelize to develop deeper flavor.
For extra creaminess, don’t rush the final simmer—let the sauce thicken naturally.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot Simmer
- Cuisine: Fusion / Plant-Based
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy recipe, lentil stew, creamy lentils, plant-based dinner, vegan comfort food