Do you need an easy lentil recipe? This simple stewed lentils recipe is a flavorful vegetarian meal on it's own, but pairs nicely with grilled meat and heartier fish like salmon as a side dish. It is also flexible, in that, a few more vegetables or some meat could easily be added to the simmering pot, if you like (carrots, spinach, skinless chicken thighs, sausage or stew beef would be good choices).
It is quite inexpensive to prepare, and this easy lentil recipe is packed with nutrition too . Lentils are one of the very few legumes I buy dry, as they cook much faster and don't require pre-soaking. Buying dry is even cheaper than canned beans, making this stewed lentils recipe a hearty money saver for your family table. Lentils are high in fiber, protein, folate, thiamin and B6, making lentil recipes such as this preferable choices over many typical side dishes.
Easy Lentil Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ tbs olive oil
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic crushed/minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 ½ cups dry lentils
- 3 ¼ cups low sodium chicken or vegetable stock
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup tomato puree
- fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Put oil in dutch oven or large saucepan over med-high heat.
- Add onions and garlic. Saute until onions are translucent, add bay and lentils, stir and cook one minute, then add the stock, wine and tomato puree.
- Reduce heat to low-med, cover and simmer. Cook for 50-60 minutes stirring each 15 minutes, start checking doneness and remaining liquid after the half hour point. ( add a splash more stock if needed)
- When done lentils should be cooked, but mostly not breaking up.
Nutrition
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs says
I don't know if I've even eaten lentils, let along cooked with them. Thanks for this recipe for when I'm ready to tackle that ingredient!
Penelope (NYC Blogger) says
We often make lentils, they are so high in iron.
Colleen says
I know lentils are good for you I don't know that I've ever made them correctly.
Tricia Nightowlmama says
Ive never been a fan of lentils but cooked this way perhaps I'd give it a try
Jenn says
Hubby loves lentils. I'd never tried them until I met him!
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
This looks really good. I love a good lentil soup but I bet this would make a good side!
Jennifer @ The Quirky Momma says
I absolutely love lentils and I'm always looking for a new way to prepare them. I tend to go with goat cheese, onions and mint but this looks good, too!
Tammy says
I have never made lentils before, I really need to some time.
Sheri says
I've never made lentils before.
Donna says
I, too, have never cooked lentils before.
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says
Lentils are one of my favorite proteins. And I love the fact that they don't require any soaking!
Robin Gagnon says
I just ate some of the leftovers with that European Sour Cream I got from Wallaby, for the Lundberg recipe...YUM! (stuff is thick like cream cheese)
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
This looks delish! I must try it!
Liz says
The no soaking thing is the best perk of all. I really like most any legumes!
Jenn- The Rebel Chick says
This sounds delicious.
Courtney says
Looks delicious! Looking for alternate protein sources so lots of lentils here.
Marcie W. says
With us trying to always eat as clean and fresh as possible, I was in need of a good lentil recipe to steer clear of the canned stuff. Thanks!
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
I want to like lentils -- I have tried several different recipes, but they just don't suit me.
Leilani says
I have never tried lentils before.
Elaina @atimeoutformommy says
I never really liked lentils until I made them myself! They are so healthy and low-fat! I'm going to try this recipe!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
I've never had lentils before but I am curious on how they taste.
toni says
My grandmother loves lentils, I will definitely have ot share this recipe with her.
Ann Samm-Regis says
I made this without the white wine and it still tasted delicious. Truly a great recipe; thank you so much for posting it.