Best 7 Braised Lentils With Spinach Recipes

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**Culinary Journey into Braised Lentils with Spinach: A Symphony of Flavors and Textures**

Embark on a culinary adventure with our braised lentils with spinach, a delectable dish that harmonizes earthy lentils, vibrant spinach, and an aromatic blend of spices. Dive into a world of flavors as the lentils simmer in a rich vegetable broth, absorbing the essence of onion, garlic, cumin, and paprika. Spinach adds a refreshing touch, while lemon juice brightens the palate. Discover a symphony of textures as tender lentils mingle with crisp spinach, creating a delightful contrast in every bite.

**Recipe 1: Classic Braised Lentils with Spinach**

This classic recipe showcases the simplicity and elegance of braised lentils and spinach. Pantry staples like lentils, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth come together to create a comforting and wholesome meal. Let the flavors deepen as the lentils braise, releasing their earthy goodness. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors and elevate the dish to new heights.

**Recipe 2: Mediterranean-Inspired Braised Lentils with Spinach**

Transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with this vibrant variation. Aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano dance in harmony, while sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and umami. Spinach, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives complete the flavor profile, creating a dish that's both satisfying and invigorating.

**Recipe 3: Spiced Lentil and Spinach Curry**

Experience the warmth and intrigue of Indian cuisine with this spiced lentil and spinach curry. A harmonious blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala paints the lentils with vibrant hues and tantalizing aromas. Spinach wilts gracefully into the curry, adding a touch of green elegance. Serve over fluffy basmati rice or crusty naan bread to complete this flavorful journey.

**Recipe 4: Lentil and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers**

Transform ordinary bell peppers into culinary masterpieces with this delightful recipe. Braised lentils and spinach become the heart of a savory stuffing, enriched with aromatic herbs and spices. Bell peppers, roasted to tender perfection, provide a colorful and flavorful vessel for this delectable filling. Drizzle with a tangy tomato sauce and sprinkle with cheese for a satisfying and visually stunning dish.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

LENTILS WITH SPINACH



Lentils with Spinach image

This grain and vegetable dish is a perfect complement to a main course but flavorful enough to steal the show.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 quart water
1/2 cup lentils
1 carrot, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
1/4 onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 dried bay leaf
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces spinach, stems removed, leaves washed well and torn into 1/2-inch pieces

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, combine the water, lentils, carrot, onion, garlic, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, partially covered, until the lentils are soft, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain, discarding bay leaf.
  • Use a paper towel to wipe out any water from the saucepan. Add oil, and return pan to medium heat. Stir in the lentils, vegetables, and spinach. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes. Taste, and adjust for seasoning. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to serving bowls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 135 g, Fat 3 g, Protein 8 g

RED WINE BRAISED FRENCH LENTILS



Red Wine Braised French Lentils image

French green lentils braised in red wine have a rich, earthy flavor and are finished with caramelized pearl onions and wilted spinach. Vegan, gluten free and so delicious!

Provided by Kim Peterson

Categories     Main Course     Soup

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 17

¾ cup French lentils (, well rinsed)
1 tablespoon olive oil (, plus 2 teaspoons )
¾ cup carrot (, chopped)
½ cup onion (, chopped)
½ cup celery (, chopped)
2 cloves garlic (, minced)
1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon fresh sage (, chopped)
1 ½ cups dry red wine
1 ½ cups water
1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black ground pepper
1 ½ cups frozen pearl onions (, thawed)
5 ounces baby spinach
Bread of choice for serving ((optional))

Steps:

  • Parboil the lentils 5 minutes and drain. Set aside.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté 5 minutes until lightly browned.
  • Add garlic, tomato paste and sage. Cook 1-2 minutes more, stirring frequently.
  • Stir in wine, water, mustard, lentils, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer. Gently simmer partially covered for 25 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add pearl onions; season with salt and pepper. Sauté 5-7 minutes until tender and caramelized, stirring frequently.
  • Once lentils are tender, add the spinach a couple handfuls at a time allowing each addition to wilt before adding the next.
  • Stir pearl onions into the lentils. Remove bay leaf.
  • Serve warm in bowls with toasted bread of choice or as a side dish. See post for additional serving suggestions. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Carbohydrate 27 g, Protein 8 g, Fat 3 g, Sodium 477 mg, Fiber 10 g, Sugar 5 g, Calories 205 kcal

LENTILS AND SPINACH



Lentils And Spinach image

This is my own adaptation of an Indian recipe. It doesn't look like much, but it is surprisingly yummy. Serve this for dinner over hot rice or a diced baked potato. Pair with carrots, cauliflower, or a fresh sliced tomato for a full meal.

Provided by bobawood

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegan

Time 1h5m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 white onions, halved and sliced into 1/2 rings
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup lentils
2 cups water
1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, crushed

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a heavy pan over medium heat. Saute onion for 10 minutes or so, until it begins to turn golden. Add minced garlic and saute for another minute or so.
  • Add lentils and water to the saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil. Cover, lower heat, and simmer about 35 minutes, until lentils are soft ( this may take less time, depending on your water and the lentils).
  • Meanwhile cook the spinach in microwave according to package directions. Add spinach, salt and cumin to the saucepan. Cover and simmer until all is heated, about ten minutes. Grind in plenty of pepper and press in extra garlic to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 165.3 calories, Carbohydrate 24 g, Fat 4.3 g, Fiber 10.4 g, Protein 9.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 639.1 mg, Sugar 3.3 g

BRAISED LENTILS WITH SPINACH



Braised Lentils with Spinach image

Provided by Lidia Bastianich

Categories     Bean     Leafy Green     Side     Braise     High Fiber     Low/No Sugar     Spinach     Lentil     Fall     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups brown lentils
2 small onions, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
1 stalk celery, trimmed and diced (about 1 1/2 cup)
2 bay leaves
Salt
1/2 cup chicken stock or canned reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
4 cups finely shredded fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and drained

Steps:

  • Pour enough cold water over the lentils, onions, carrots, celery, and bay leaves in a 3-quart saucepan to cover by three fingers. Season with salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Adjust the heat so the water is at a gentle boil and cook until the lentils are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain the lentils, discard the bay leaves, and transfer to a large skillet.
  • Pour in the chicken stock and olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and cook until the liquid is reduced enough to coat the lentils, about 3 minutes. Scatter the spinach over the lentils and toss just until the spinach is wilted, about 1 minute. Taste and add salt and pepper if necessary. Serve immediately.

BRAISED SPINACH



Braised Spinach image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 large red onions, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 large bunches fresh spinach, washed with water still clinging to leaves, stems trimmed and leaves coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a very large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and saute until tender, about 8 minutes. Add 1/3 of the spinach and saute until it begins to wilt, about 1 to 2 minutes. Continue adding the spinach 1 handful at a time, sauteing just until it begins to wilt before adding more. Add the soy sauce and crushed red pepper. Saute over high heat until spinach wilts. Season the mixture, to taste, with salt and black pepper. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and serve.

INDIAN LENTILS AND SPINACH



Indian Lentils and Spinach image

I combined two other recipes to create this.

Provided by artyjeep

Categories     Side Dish     Beans and Peas

Time 1h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 white onion, halved and sliced into 1/2-inch rings
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup lentils
½ cup water
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 bay leaf
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
¼ cup water

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a heavy pan over medium heat. Cook and stir onion in the hot oil until beginning to turn golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add minced garlic to onion; cook and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
  • Mix chicken broth, lentils, 1/2 cup water, crushed garlic, coriander, salt, cumin, chili powder, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf into onion mixture; bring to a boil. Cover pan, lower heat to medium-low, and simmer until lentils are soft, about 35 minutes.
  • Place spinach in a microwave-safe bowl and add 1/4 cup water; heat in microwave for 5 minutes. Stir spinach and continue cooking in microwave until heated through, about 5 minutes more. Let spinach cool, about 5 minutes; drain water and squeeze excess water from spinach.
  • Mix spinach into lentils; cover pan and simmer until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 129.3 calories, Carbohydrate 20 g, Fat 2.4 g, Fiber 9.4 g, Protein 8.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.4 g, Sodium 324.6 mg, Sugar 2 g

BRAISED LENTILS WITH ONIONS AND SPINACH



Braised Lentils With Onions and Spinach image

Make and share this Braised Lentils With Onions and Spinach recipe from Food.com.

Provided by akgrown

Categories     Spinach

Time 1h

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 tablespoon oil
1 cup carrot, finely chopped
1/2 cup shallot, finely chopped
1/4 cup dry white wine (or apple juice)
2 cups dried lentils
4 cups onions, thinly sliced
3 1/2 cups chicken broth or 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 fresh thyme sprigs
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 (10 ounce) bag prewashed fresh spinach
4 ounces crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil over med-high heat in a dutch oven, and sauté carrots and shallots for 5 minutes.Add wine and scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
  • Add lentils, onion, broth, salt, pepper, and thyme, and bring to a boil.Reduce heat to medium-low and cover tightly. Cook for 35 minutes, stirring twice, until lentils are tender and liquid is almost evaporated.
  • Stir in vinegar and spinach, and simmer uncovered for 5 min more, until liquid reduces slightly and spinach wilts. Sprinkle with crumbled feta and serve.
  • For vegetarian use vegetable broth.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 403.5, Fat 8.3, SaturatedFat 3.7, Cholesterol 17.8, Sodium 828.6, Carbohydrate 56.8, Fiber 22.7, Sugar 8.2, Protein 25.2

Tips:

  • For perfectly tender lentils, rinse them well before cooking and discard any stones or debris. Use a fine-mesh strainer to rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water.
  • Choose the right type of lentils for the recipe. Brown lentils hold their shape well and are a good choice for salads and soups. Green lentils are milder in flavor and cook more quickly, making them ideal for quick meals.
  • Use vegetable broth or water instead of water for added flavor. Vegetable broth is a great way to add extra nutrients and flavor to the lentils.
  • Add aromatics to the pot for extra flavor. Onion, garlic, celery, and carrots are classic aromatics that add a delicious base flavor to the lentils.
  • Season the lentils well. Salt and pepper are essential, but you can also add other spices and herbs to taste, such as cumin, coriander, paprika, or chili powder.
  • Cook the lentils until they are tender but still hold their shape. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of lentils used, so be sure to check the package instructions.
  • Serve the lentils with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include yogurt, cilantro, red onion, and lemon wedges.

Conclusion:

Braised lentils with spinach is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The lentils are simmered in a flavorful broth until tender, then combined with spinach, tomatoes, and spices. This dish is not only delicious, but it is also packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients. It is a great way to add more plant-based protein to your diet. Serve it with rice, quinoa, or naan bread for a complete meal.

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