Comforting Brown Lentil Medley
This hearty and nutritious brown lentil medley is my go-to comfort food, ideal for any meal of the day. Packed with flavor from sautéed vegetables, aromatic herbs, and spices, it’s perfect as a warming side dish to complement fish, or for a delightful main event when topped with a perfectly poached egg. Each bite offers a balance of earthiness and zest, thanks to the freshness of lemon juice and parsley. Enjoy it as a wholesome vegetarian option or elevate it with the savory addition of bacon for that extra umami kick.
4
Servings
155
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brown Lentils
1 1/2 cups (Rinsed and drained)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Bacon
4 slices (Chopped (optional))
Garlic Cloves
4 (Sliced)
Carrot
1 (Small diced)
Celery Ribs
2 (Small diced)
Shallot
1 - 2 (Finely diced)
Sage
1 teaspoon (Dried)
Ground Celery Seed
1/2 teaspoon
Cumin
1 - 2 teaspoons
Cayenne
to taste
Vegetable Stock (or Chicken)
1 - 2 cups (Used for simmering)
Lemon
1 (Juiced)
Fresh Parsley
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing the brown lentils thoroughly. In a large pot, add enough water to cover the lentils, seasoning it generously with salt. Bring to a boil and simmer hard for about 25 minutes until the lentils are just tender. Once done, drain and set aside.
2
While the lentils are cooking, heat olive oil in a braising pan over medium heat. If using bacon, add it first and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Next, add the sliced garlic, diced carrot, diced celery, and shallots. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3
Sprinkle in the dried herbs and spices (sage, ground celery seed, cumin, and cayenne) and stir to combine. Pour in 1 cup of vegetable (or chicken) stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4
Add the drained lentils to the sautéed vegetables and stock, stirring to combine. Continue to simmer for 10-20 minutes, checking occasionally, and adding more stock if necessary, until the lentils are fully cooked and all flavors are melded together.
5
Once the lentils are tender, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and finish with fresh lemon juice squeezed on top and the chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.
6
Serve warm as a side dish or as a main dish topped with a poached egg for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
25.5g
Carbs
8.5g
Protein
8g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Comforting Brown Lentil Medley?
It is a hearty, nutritious dish featuring brown lentils, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic herbs, suitable as a side or a main course.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is a wholesome vegetarian option if you omit the bacon and use vegetable stock.
What type of lentils are used in this dish?
The recipe specifically calls for brown lentils.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are approximately 155 calories per serving.
What is the fiber content of this meal?
Each serving contains 8 grams of fiber.
How long do the lentils need to boil initially?
The lentils should be simmered for about 25 minutes until they are just tender.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The medley is seasoned with sage, ground celery seed, cumin, and cayenne.
Can I add bacon to this recipe?
Yes, you can add 4 slices of chopped bacon for an extra savory umami kick.
How can I serve this as a main dish?
It is recommended to top the lentils with a perfectly poached egg when serving as a main meal.
What vegetables are needed for the base?
You will need garlic, carrot, celery, and shallots.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 8.5 grams of protein.
What provides the freshness in the final dish?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped parsley provide a burst of freshness at the end.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 25.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use chicken stock instead of vegetable stock?
Yes, the recipe allows for either vegetable or chicken stock.
How much stock is used during the simmering process?
You should use 1 to 2 cups of stock.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3 grams of fat in each serving.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The 4 cloves of garlic should be sliced.
What is the preparation for the carrot and celery?
Both the carrot and the celery ribs should be small diced.
How long do you simmer the lentils after adding the stock?
Simmer for an additional 10 to 20 minutes until the flavors are melded.
Is salt and pepper included?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to taste at the end of cooking.
What equipment is needed for the vegetables?
A braising pan is recommended for sautéing the vegetables and simmering the medley.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 4 garlic cloves.
How should the shallots be cut?
The 1 or 2 shallots should be finely diced.
How much parsley is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
When should the dried herbs be added?
Add the dried herbs after the vegetables have sautéed but before pouring in the stock.
Is this dish a good side for fish?
Yes, it is described as an ideal warming side dish to complement fish.
How much cumin is used?
The recipe suggests 1 to 2 teaspoons of cumin.
Do I need to rinse the lentils?
Yes, the instructions state to start by rinsing the brown lentils thoroughly.