Description
These Creamy “Marry Me” Lentils bring a luxurious twist to lentils with a rich, creamy, and flavorful sundried tomato sauce. Perfect with bread, rice, or as a topping for baked sweet potatoes, this dish is packed with Italian-inspired flavors and a velvety texture. Made with black, puy, brown, or green lentils, this easy vegetarian recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Produce
- 1 bunch Basil
- 1 cup Brown or Green Lentils (or Black Lentils)
- 6 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 small Red Onion, finely chopped
- 1 Lemon, juiced
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, chopped
Canned Goods
- 3 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 2 cups Vegetable Stock
Baking & Spices
- 2 teaspoons Fennel Seeds
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
Oils & Vinegars
- 1 tablespoon Oil from Sundried Tomatoes
Dairy
- 3/4 cup Heavy (Double) Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
Instructions
- Cook the Lentils: In a pot, cook the lentils according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pan, heat the oil from the sundried tomatoes over medium heat. Add the red onion and sauté until softened. Stir in the garlic, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika, cooking until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Add the tomato paste and sundried tomatoes, stirring well. Pour in the vegetable stock, bring to a simmer, and let cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the Cream & Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Combine & Serve: Add the cooked lentils to the sauce, stir well, and let simmer for a few minutes. Finish with lemon juice and fresh basil.
- Enjoy: Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or over baked sweet potatoes.
Notes
- Lentil Options: Black lentils, puy lentils, brown, or green lentils all work for this recipe.
- Make it Vegan: Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Extra Protein: Add chickpeas or tofu for an even heartier dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
