Best 3 Lentil Skillet Recipes

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Savor the hearty goodness of lentils like never before with our versatile Lentil Skillet main course. This protein-packed dish serves 4 to 6 people and comes in 3 enticing variations: the Classic Lentil Skillet, the Mediterranean Lentil Skillet, and the Indian-Spiced Lentil Skillet. Whether you prefer a traditional taste, a vibrant Mediterranean flair, or an aromatic Indian twist, we've got you covered. Each skillet is a symphony of flavors, textures, and wholesome ingredients that will delight your taste buds and nourish your body. Ready in just 30 minutes, these skillet meals are perfect for busy weeknights or quick and satisfying weekday lunches. Try all three variations and discover your favorite lentil skillet today!

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

LENTIL BARLEY VEGETABLE SKILLET



Lentil Barley Vegetable Skillet image

Veggies, lentils and barley come together in this delicious and hearty skillet dinner recipe - featuring corn and Muir Glen® tomatoes.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup dried lentils (8 oz), sorted, rinsed
1 medium carrot, sliced (1/2 cup)
1 small onion, coarsely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
3/4 cup uncooked quick-cooking barley
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cans (14 oz each) vegetable broth
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into thin bite-size strips
1 medium stalk celery, sliced (1/2 cup)
1 cup frozen corn (from 12-oz bag)
1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic diced tomatoes with Italian herbs, undrained
Shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired

Steps:

  • In 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add lentils, carrot and onion; cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add barley, basil, pepper and broth. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover; simmer 20 minutes or until lentils are tender but still firm.
  • Stir in remaining ingredients except cheese. Increase heat to medium. Cover; simmer 10 to 15 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until lentils and vegetables are tender and liquid is almost absorbed. Garnish individual servings with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 225, Carbohydrate 51 g, Fat 1/2, Fiber 13 g, Protein 12 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 700 mg

HERBED LENTIL SKILLET WITH SPINACH, TOMATOES, AND RICOTTA



Herbed Lentil Skillet with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Ricotta image

You can have this meal on the table in less time than it takes for me to run a mile. Okay, I admit I am the slowest runner I know (I am more of a jogger, really) -- but still, that is a fast dinner. The key is taking advantage of canned lentils for a tender and hearty instant protein, as well as vegetables that require very little prep -- pre-washed baby spinach and grape tomatoes. They are seasoned in the skillet with chopped shallot, fresh thyme, and balsamic vinegar, then dolloped with creamy, rich ricotta cheese that is warmed slightly in the skillet, too. A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves takes you, deliciously, to the finish line for the win. I like to serve mine with some whole-grain, sourdough toast or baguette.

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Categories     main-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup chopped shallot
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves, or 3/4 teaspoon dried
2 (15.5-ounce) cans lentils, drained and rinsed (about 3 cups)
1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
2 cups lightly packed baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
6 large fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until they have softened, about 1 minute. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Stir in the thyme, then add the lentils, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper, and stir just enough to combine. Add the tomatoes and spinach, lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and the vegetables have wilted, 5 minutes.
  • Make a well in the lentil mixture and dollop 1/4 cup of the ricotta cheese into it. Repeat with the remaining ricotta, creating separate wells. Cover and cook until the cheese is slightly warmed but not melted, 2 minutes. Sprinkle with the basil and serve.
  • Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

BEEF LENTIL SKILLET



Beef Lentil Skillet image

This is nutritious, flexible, and delicious! I adapted it from my trusty Mennonite Cookbook recipe, and our family loves it and always asks for more! It goes "viral" everytime I make it for a church gathering or some other food-fest! ENJOY!

Provided by wyomugs

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h10m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb ground beef (you can substitute Smoked Sausage ring or Kielbasa for a change of pace)
1 cup dried lentils
1 medium onion, coursely chopped
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 cup corn (drained canned corn, or frozen, your choice)
2 -3 cups water (may need more)
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to personal preferences)

Steps:

  • In large skillet or dutch oven, brown beef and onions, and drain fat. If you choose the Smoked Sausage or Kielbasa, slice into 1/3-1/2 thick slices and brown.
  • Sort lentils and wash.
  • Add lentils and ALL remaining ingredients to meat mixture.
  • Bring to boil, cover, and turn down to simmer. Simmer 45 mins, stirring every 15 mins or so and adding water if necessary. Most all water should be absorbed with only a little "sauce" left when ready to serve. Remove bay leaves, serve with bread and salad for complete meal.

Tips:

  • Rinse lentils thoroughly before cooking. This removes any dirt or debris and helps them cook evenly.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. You can also use chicken or beef broth, but vegetable broth is a good option for a vegetarian or vegan dish.
  • Add a variety of vegetables to your skillet. This will make your dish more colorful and nutritious. Some good options include onions, carrots, celery, bell peppers, and zucchini.
  • Season your lentils with spices. This will help them taste more flavorful. Some good options include cumin, coriander, paprika, and chili powder.
  • Cook the lentils until they are tender but still have a slight bite to them. Overcooked lentils will be mushy and bland.
  • Serve your lentils with a variety of toppings. This could include yogurt, salsa, avocado, or cilantro.

Conclusion:

Lentil skillet is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it can be customized to your liking. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a healthy and flavorful meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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