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Vegetarian Mexican Lentils

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Savor hearty Vegetarian Mexican Lentils! This vibrant dish starts with fragrant sautéed aromatics, building rich flavor with chili and cumin. Full instructions & nutrition details included.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dry brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the chili powder and ground cumin, cooking for 30 seconds more until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Pour in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir everything together well. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  4. Step 4: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Step 5: Taste the lentils and season with salt and black pepper to your preference. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • These Mexican lentils are fantastic for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days, or freeze portions for quick future meals.
  • When reheating, especially from the fridge, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to help loosen them up and restore their creamy texture, whether you're using the microwave or stovetop.
  • Beyond a simple bowl, try serving these flavorful lentils as a hearty filling for warm tortillas, atop a bed of rice, or even as a base for a vibrant power bowl with avocado, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.
  • For an extra layer of depth, a squeeze of fresh lime juice stirred in right before serving will brighten all the flavors beautifully, complementing the chili and cumin perfectly.

Nutrition