Description
This Easy 20-Minute One Pot Lentils recipe is a flavorful and nutritious meal perfect for a quick and wholesome dinner. Brown lentils are simmered with aromatic spices and sautéed onions, creating a hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or bread. Simple, comforting, and packed with protein and fiber, this lentil recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Lentils and Water
- 1 1/2 cups dry brown lentils
- 3 cups boiling water, divided
Vegetables and Spices
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Garnish
- fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Soak Lentils: Add lentils to a large mixing bowl and sort through to remove any debris. Rinse the lentils thoroughly and drain. Pour enough boiling water over the lentils to cover them and allow them to soak for 10 minutes. Set aside while preparing the other ingredients.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or 4-quart Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and turmeric. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Pour in 1 cup of boiling water and stir well to combine with the sautéed mixture.
- Add Lentils and Simmer: Drain the soaked lentils, rinse them again, and drain thoroughly. Stir the lentils into the pot along with the remaining 2 cups of boiling water. Add ground cumin, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the lentils over brown or white rice, coconut rice, or rice pilaf. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Alternatively, enjoy the lentils on their own paired with naan bread, pita bread, biscuits, or dinner rolls for dipping.
Notes
- Sorting lentils carefully helps remove small stones or debris.
- Soaking lentils reduces cooking time and helps with digestion.
- Use fresh boiling water to ensure proper cooking temperature when simmering.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preference; add a pinch of chili for heat.
- This recipe can be made vegan and vegetarian.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and also freeze well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Keywords: lentils, one pot meal, quick lentil recipe, vegetarian dinner, healthy lentils, easy lentil stew, 20-minute lentils
