Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our versatile lentil and spinach recipes. From hearty soups and stews to vibrant salads and flavorful curries, our collection offers a symphony of flavors to tantalize your taste buds. Discover the goodness of lentils, packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, perfectly complemented by the vibrant greens of spinach, rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Whether you're seeking a comforting meal on a chilly evening or a refreshing lunch option, our lentil and spinach recipes cater to diverse dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure, where each recipe promises a unique taste experience.
Here are our top 16 tried and tested recipes!
RED CURRY LENTILS WITH SWEET POTATOES AND SPINACH
In this vegetarian main inspired by Indian dal, lentils are cooked with an aromatic blend of Thai spices - fresh ginger, turmeric, red curry paste and chile - then simmered in coconut milk until fall-apart tender. Browning the sweet potatoes before cooking them with the lentils brings out their sweetness, balancing the heat from the chile and curry paste, while baby spinach tossed in just before serving adds fresh flavor. Serve over steamed white or brown rice, or with toasted flatbread on the side.
Provided by Lidey Heuck
Categories dinner, easy, vegetables, main course
Time 1h
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a Dutch oven or pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high. Add the sweet potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned all over, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the browned sweet potatoes to a plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pot and set the heat to medium-low. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the curry paste, garlic, ginger, chile and turmeric, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the lentils, stock, salt and browned sweet potatoes to the pot and bring to a boil over high. Lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are just tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Add the coconut milk and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the lentils are creamy and falling apart, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add the spinach and stir until just wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Off the heat, stir in the lime juice and season with salt to taste.
- Divide among shallow bowls and top with cilantro and coconut flakes, if using.
LENTILS AND SPINACH
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
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
INDIAN LENTILS AND SPINACH
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
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
INSTANT POT MIDDLE EASTERN LENTILS WITH RICE, LEEKS, AND SPINACH
Steps:
- Using the sauté function, heat the oil in the pressure cooker pot. Stir in the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are dark golden at the edges, about 10 minutes.Season with a pinch of salt. Use a slotted spoon to scoop out half the leeks and transfer to a bowl; set aside for the garnish.
- Stir the garlic into the pot and cook until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Stir in the cumin, allspice, and cayenne and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the lentils, 2 cups water, 2 teaspoons salt, the bay leaf, and cinnamon stick to the pot.
- Lock the lid into place and cook on high pressure for 1 minute. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
- Uncover the pot and stir in the rice, working quickly so the lentil mixture stays hot. Lock the lid back into place and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Manually release the pressure.
- Uncover and stir in the spinach. Cover the pot with the lid (but don't lock it on) and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to wilt the greens and finish cooking the rice.
- In a small bowl, season the yogurt with salt to taste.
- Discard the bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Serve the lentils warm, garnished with the reserved leeks and salted yogurt on top, and drizzled with more olive oil.
HERBED LENTILS WITH SPINACH AND TOMATOES
Provided by Ellie Krieger
Categories side-dish
Time 50m
Yield 4 servings, serving size 3/4 cup
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Place the lentils in a pot with the water and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes, until the lentils are tender but still retain their shape. Drain any excess water from the lentils and set them aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the shallots and cook until they are softened, about 3 minutes. Add the spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, lentils, basil, parsley, and mint to the pan and stir to combine. Cook until warmed through, about 1 minute. Stir in the lemon juice, salt and pepper and serve.
- Excellent source of: Protein, Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Iron,
- Good source of: Potassium
PEARL COUSCOUS WITH LENTILS, CARROTS, SPINACH, AND CORN
This is a recipe that is great as a side or even as a meal. It's so hearty! It's great served warm or cold. I sometimes substitute chickpeas for the lentils, but be aware that they have a slightly stronger flavor. The white wine is used for flavor but can be left out if desired. Reduced-sodium chicken broth can be used. This recipe keeps well in the fridge and can be served warm or cold.
Provided by Caitlin685
Categories Side Dish
Time 55m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onion until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until garlic starts to brown, about 5 to 8 more minutes. Mix in the lentils and cook 3 to 4 minutes to blend flavors, stirring lightly. Stir carrots and corn kernels into the mixture. Reduce heat to low. Pour in 2 tablespoons white wine and 2 tablespoons chicken broth; let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Bring 2 cups chicken broth and 1/4 cup white wine to a boil in a saucepan; stir in couscous and reduce heat to low. Simmer couscous until the liquid has been absorbed and the couscous pearls are tender, about 8 minutes.
- Stir 2 more tablespoons each of chicken broth and white wine into lentil mixture and lightly toss baby spinach leaves into the vegetables in the skillet until wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer cooked couscous to a serving bowl and gently stir the spinach-lentil mixture into couscous until thoroughly combined. Drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle with black pepper, and lightly stir again.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 174 calories, Carbohydrate 30.4 g, Cholesterol 0.2 mg, Fat 2.1 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 83.6 mg, Sugar 2.4 g
SAUSAGE WITH LENTILS AND SPINACH
Provided by Bon Appétit Test Kitchen
Categories Quick & Easy Low Cal High Fiber Dinner Sausage Spinach Lentil Potluck Bon Appétit Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Yield Makes 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage and sautéuntil browned, about 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to plate. Add onion and mushrooms to pot; sprinkle with salt and sauté until mushrooms are soft, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and thyme; stir 1 minute. Add lentils and bay leaves; stir to coat. Add 6 cups broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid slightly ajar, and simmer until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally, about 18 minutes. Return sausage to pot. Add spinach in 2 batches, stirring until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
WARM SALAD OF GRILLED TROUT WITH SPINACH AND LENTILS
Served at lunch, dinner or late-night, this well-rounded salad has been a favorite since the day we opened.
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 45m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and mustard to form a glaze. Set aside.
- Prepare an ice-water bath in a large bowl and bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the asparagus until tender, 6 minutes. Drain and refresh them in the ice water to preserve their color. Drain again and set aside.
- Heat the lentils over a low flame and keep warm.
- Spray a grill or grill pan with nonstick spray and preheat until it's very hot (if using a grill pan, heat for at least 4 minutes). Dry the fillets and season the flesh sides with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper, then brush both sides with the olive oil. Place the fish, skin side down, on the grill and cook for 4 minutes. Flip the fish and brush the skin side with the reserved honey-mustard glaze. Continue to cook for 2 minutes. Hold the cooked trout aside.
- Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast for about 3 minutes, shaking the pan often to prevent burning. Season the nuts with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 3 tablespoons of the balsamic vinegar. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the vinegar has reduced to a thick syrup that coats the nuts. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and stir for an additional minute. Turn the flame down to low and add the asparagus.
- In a small saucepan, bring the remaining 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar to a boil. Cook for about 3 minutes, until it has reduced down to 2 tablespoons.
- Turn the flame off under the asparagus-walnut mixture and add the baby spinach along with a drizzle of the balsamic glaze. Gently toss to combine, and allow the heat of the pan to wilt the spinach.
- Plate the salad by creating a small bed of the spinach-asparagus mixture in the center of the plate, surrounded by 3 dollops of warm lentils. Place 2 trout fillets, skin side up, on top of the spinach mixture. Drizzle with the balsamic glaze.
CURRIED LENTILS WITH SWEET POTATOES AND SPINACH
My mother-in-law shared this with me (by way of deliciousliving.com), and it sure is a keeper. One of the tastiest ways I know to get your daily vitamins! The recipe calls for fresh spinach, but I used frozen (thawed out) and it worked fine. I'll fix this without the almonds next time, but that's just a matter of preference. We made this gluten free by using a gluten free broth, and GF yogurt. Mmmm, I can't wait to see how the leftovers taste tomorrow!
Provided by GreenFish
Categories Curries
Time 35m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a medium pot.
- Add onion and garlic and saute until soft; about 5 minutes.
- Stir in curry powder, ginger and cumin, and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in lentils and broth; bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Add sweet potatoes, cover, and cook for 10 minues longer, untiil water is absobed and sweet potatoes are just tender.
- Stir in baby spinach and cook for 1 minute longer, until spinach is just wilted. Add salt and adjust seasonings to taste.
- Transfer to bowls and top each with 1/4 cup yogurt and 2 tbsp chopped almonds. Best when piping hot.
ORECCHIETTE WITH LENTILS, ONIONS, AND SPINACH
Categories Bean Leafy Green Onion Pasta Vegetarian Quick & Easy Parmesan Spinach Lentil Winter Healthy Gourmet
Yield Makes 6 main-course servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then stir in onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Reduce heat to moderately low and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until onions are very tender and golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Discard bay leaf.
- While onions cook, cover lentils with water by 1 inch in a 1 1/2- to 2-quart saucepan and boil over moderate heat, covered, until lentils are just tender and most of water is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and let stand, covered, until ready to use.
- Cook pasta in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain pasta in a colander and return pasta to pot.
- Add onions, lentils, and spinach to pasta, then toss with just enough reserved cooking water to wilt spinach and moisten pasta. Add cheese and salt and pepper to taste, tossing to combine.
WHOLE-WHEAT PASTA WITH LENTILS, SPINACH, AND LEEKS
If you like, grate Parmesan cheese over the pasta just before serving, or offer grated cheese on the side.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, combine lentils, 1 garlic clove, and the bay leaf. Add enough cold water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until lentils are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain, and discard garlic clove and bay leaf; set the lentils aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta; cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 7 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Place pasta in a large bowl.
- Meanwhile, mince remaining garlic clove. In a large saute pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, leeks, and thyme; cook, stirring occasionally, until leeks are soft but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add cooked lentils and salt; season with pepper.
- Add spinach and reserved cooking liquid to pan; toss to wilt spinach, about 2 minutes. Pour mixture over pasta, tossing to combine. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 638 g, Fat 9 g, Fiber 11 g, Protein 29 g, Sodium 793 g
LENTILS WITH SPINACH AND SAUSAGE
This is a non-vegeterian version of a Moosewood Restaurant Simple Suppers recipe. If you like sausage, this recipe is for you.
Provided by the moody cook
Categories Stew
Time 45m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and coriander and cook until fragrant.
- Add sausage and cook until there is no more pink.
- Add lentils, chicken broth, and bay leaves.
- Cover and bring to a boil, turn down heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- When potatoes are soft add spinach and stir until completely wilted.
CHICKEN WITH LENTILS AND SPINACH _ PRESSURE COOKER
Steps:
- 1. Saute the onion in hot oil until lightly browned. 2. Stir in cumin seeds ant saute 10 seconds. 3. Add lentils, chicken, carrots, water, allspice, cinnamon, and raisins. Stir and de-glaze pot. 4. Set carrots on top. 5. Lock lid and bring to high pressure. Adjust heat to maintain high pressure for 9 minutes. 6. Use quick-release method. 7. Dice carrots. Stir in spinach and ginger, and salt to taste. 8.Simmer 2 minutes or until spinach is cooked.
CURRIED LENTILS AND SPINACH
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, simmer the lentils in 2 quarts of water, covered, for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and set aside. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and saute` garlic until lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce heat, add spinach, cover and cook until the spinach is wilted. Add the drained lentils and remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. If the mixture is too moist, remove the cover and simmer until the liquid is reduced.
ROTINI WITH LENTILS AND SPINACH
Categories Pasta
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook onion and garlic in oil over med heat until softened. Add lentils, water, herbs and pepper flakes. Simmer 10 minutes. Add tomatoes, ketchup, salt and pepper to taste. Simmer 20 minutes. Add spinach and cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Toss with cooked pasta. Serve with parmesan cheese if desired.
MINI RACK OF LAMB WITH NUTTY BELUGA LENTILS AND SAUTéED GARLIC SPINACH
Provided by Jessica Strand
Categories Leafy Green Lamb Vegetable Roast Sauté Easter Valentine's Day Mother's Day Dinner Meat Rack of Lamb Spinach Legume Lentil Spring Winter Anniversary
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375° F.
- In a medium sauté pan place 1 1/2 tablespoons of the olive oil, and heat for a minute over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté the vegetables until they are softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the lentils and bay leaf and sauté for 3 minutes, coating all the lentils. Increase the heat and add the red wine. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring, until the mixture becomes dry. Meanwhile, in a saucepan bring the chicken stock to a simmer, then turn off the heat and cover to keep warm. Add the warm chicken stock to the lentils (like cooking risotto) 1/2 a cup at a time, letting the lentils absorb the liquid with each addition. Repeat, stirring the mixture constantly. After 28 to 30 minutes the lentils should be slightly chewy and tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- While the lentils are cooking, rinse and pat the lamb dry and rub it with a tablespoon of olive oil. Season the meat with salt and pepper, then press the rosemary into the flesh.
- Place the lamb in a small roasting pan in the middle of the oven, and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat registers 140° F.
- While both the lentils and the meat are cooking, prepare the spinach. In a medium sauté pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil for a minute over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until just translucent but not brown. Add the spinach and sauté for 2 minutes, then cover and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until completely wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Slice the rack in half. On two large dinner plates, arrange a bed of lentils and a side of spinach, then place the lamb on top of the lentils and serve.
Tips:
- Use water or broth: You can use either water or broth as the cooking liquid for lentils. Using broth will add more flavor to the dish, but water is also a good option if you're watching your sodium intake.
- Rinse lentils before cooking: Rinsing lentils before cooking helps to remove any dirt or debris. It also helps to prevent the lentils from foaming during cooking.
- Add salt at the end of cooking: Salting lentils too early can make them tough. Wait until the lentils are almost done cooking before adding salt.
- Don't overcook lentils: Lentils should be cooked until they are tender but still hold their shape. Overcooked lentils will become mushy.
- Add vegetables and spices: Lentils are a great base for a variety of dishes. You can add vegetables, spices, and herbs to create a variety of different flavors.
Conclusion:
Lentils are a delicious, healthy, and affordable ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. Lentils are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage. With their mild flavor and versatility, lentils are a great addition to any diet.
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