Easy Lentils with Vegetables recipe

Lentils with vegetables are incredibly nutritious and delightful. They are also easy to prepare and can be ready to eat within minutes! They are so delicious that they are always part of our menu.

Lentils are super nutritious and rich in proteins, which is an important factor for us as we gradually embrace a more vegetarian lifestyle over the years. They are an excellent source of vitamin B, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium.

I love this dish for its incredible ease and quick preparation time. During busy weeks, when time is scarce, I often seek out straightforward and rapid recipes, and this one fits perfectly. The most time-consuming aspect of this recipe is the soaking process, but even then, it’s a simple task of placing them in a container with water – no major steps are involved.

How to soak lentils?

I have a simple rule when it comes to grains: I do soak all my grains overnight. Soaking the lentils helps increase nutritional absorption and promotes better digestion.

To soak the lentils, I opt for filtered water, covering them with nearly double or triple the amount, as many grains tend to absorb the water quickly and expand. The following day, I thoroughly rinse them with cold water before cooking.

What kind of lentils can I use?

Among the diverse variety of lentils, I prefer green and brown ones. Different types of lentils have distinct cooking times, and I will mention the ones I commonly use.

Green and brown lentils maintain their shape after cooking, making them versatile for different dishes. They cook for around 20-40 minutes. They offer a mild flavor and have slightly more fiber content. Green lentils may vary in size.

Red/orange lentils have a sweeter taste and develop a creamier texture when cooked. They cook quicker, for approximately 20 minutes, and contain slightly more protein.

What do I need to make these Lentils with Vegetables?

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See our disclosure policy for more details.

Kitchen Utensils

• Saucepan with lid
• Measuring cup and spoons
• Cutting board
• Wood spoon

Ingredients

• 1 cup of green lentils
• 1 clove of garlic
• 3 cups of water
• 1 /2 cup of vegetable broth
• 3 potatoes
• 1-2 carrots
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
• 1/4 bell pepper
• 1/4 sweet yellow onion
• 1/4 teaspoon of cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme

How do I make these Lentils with vegetables?

1. Dice the onion, bell pepper, carrots, garlic, and potatoes.
2. Rinse the lentils under cold water.

4. In a saucepan, combine the lentils, water, vegetable broth, carrots, bell peppers, onion, and garlic.

5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, letting it simmer for 15 minutes.

6. Introduce the potatoes, salt, and spices and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes or until the lentils and vegetables are thoroughly cooked.

How can we serve this lentil?

We can see lentils most commonly being served with rice, but there are many other ways we can eat this delicious dish:

• Quinoa
• Roasted vegetables
• Couscous
• Tacos
• As a Soup

Useful tips

1. Customize the spice blend to your taste preference.
2. Elevate this dish into a hearty soup by incorporating additional water during the cooking process.
3. Enhance the nutritional content by adding more vegetables such as celery and zucchini.
4. This is a convenient one-pot meal, simplifying the cooking process by preparing everything in the same saucepan.
5. Explore various vegetable broth options, such as organic cubes or homemade broth, to infuse the dish with rich flavors.