Irresistible Creamy Marry Me Lentils (Print View)
Comforting lentils in creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with herbs, perfect for cozy dinners.
# What You'll Need:
→ Lentils & Main
01 - 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
02 - 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
→ Vegetables & Base
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
07 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
→ Sauce & Finish
08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
12 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
# How to Make:
01 - Combine lentils and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered until lentils are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle in dried oregano, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Add the cooked lentils to the skillet and toss well to coat in the aromatic mixture.
04 - Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through, about 5 minutes.
05 - Season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir in fresh chopped basil. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The sauce is impossibly rich and luxurious despite being so simple to throw together
- Everything simmers in one pan which means maximum flavor with minimal cleanup afterward
02 -
- Draining excess liquid from the cooked lentils is crucial otherwise your sauce will never thicken properly
- Sun-dried tomatoes vary in saltiness so always taste your sauce before adding additional salt
03 -
- Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version that is just as luxurious
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving to cut through the richness