Creamy “Marry Me” Lentils

If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious dish that will win over your family and friends, look no further! These Creamy Marry Me Lentils are not only incredibly flavorful, but they also have a special place in my heart. This recipe combines the richness of sundried tomatoes with the creaminess of lentils, creating a dreamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion—be it a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up, and trust me, every bite will leave you wanting more!

These lentils are versatile enough to be paired with crusty bread, fluffy rice, or even as a topping for baked sweet potatoes. Once you try them, you may just find yourself saying “I do” to this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners; it takes just 20 minutes to cook!
• Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture and savory flavors, everyone will want seconds.
• Make Ahead: Prepare in advance and reheat for an easy meal prep option.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber from lentils, it’s a healthy choice without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish or make it the star of your meal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that making these Creamy Marry Me Lentils is a breeze with simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you need to gather before we get cooking:

For the Sauce

• oil from a jar of sundried tomatoes (for cooking)
• 1 cup dry black, brown or green lentils (2.5 cups cooked, or 2 cans drained and rinsed)
• 1 small red onion (finely diced)
• 6 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 2 tsp fennel seeds (crushed)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 cups vegetable stock

For the Creamy Finish

• 3/4 cup heavy (double) cream
• 1 cup parmesan, pecorino or Italian hard cheese
• 1 bunch basil (chopped)
• lemon wedges (for squeezing)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the lentils: Use puy lentils or plain brown/green lentils if black ones aren’t available.
• Add some greens: Stir in some spinach or kale towards the end for an extra nutrient boost.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat if you enjoy spicy dishes!
• Make it vegan: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Lentils

Step 1: Cook the Lentils

If you’re cooking your lentils from dry, start this process before prepping other ingredients. This way, they can cook while you gather everything else. For black lentils: in an Instant Pot, combine 1 cup of lentils with 1.75 cups of salted water and cook on HIGH for 9 minutes followed by a natural release for 10 minutes. On the stovetop, simmer them in 3.5 cups of salted water for about 20 minutes until soft yet slightly al dente.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large sauté pan, heat a few tablespoons of oil from your sundried tomato jar over low-medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until soft—this brings out its natural sweetness—then add the crushed garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Spices

Now it’s time to build those flavors! Sprinkle in the crushed fennel seeds and sauté until their lovely aroma fills your kitchen. Quickly add some extra oil along with smoked paprika and Italian seasoning. Keep the heat low so that the spices don’t burn; we want them perfectly fragrant!

Step 4: Mix in Tomatoes

Stir in the tomato paste and chopped sundried tomatoes until everything blends beautifully together with the onions and spices. Turn off the heat as we set this mixture aside while we prepare our cooked lentils.

Step 5: Drain and Rinse Lentils

Once your lentils are cooked or if you’re using canned ones, drain them well in a fine sieve (a cake sieve works wonderfully!). Make sure to rinse them under cold water until clear—this step keeps your sauce from getting muddied by any dark cooking water.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add your cooked lentils back into that fragrant mixture in the sauté pan and turn up the heat again. Gently mix everything together until well combined.

Step 7: Simmer with Vegetable Stock

Pour in your vegetable stock and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. Cover initially; then uncover toward the end so that some liquid can evaporate—the sauce should thicken beautifully as the lentils soak up all that deliciousness.

Step 8: Stir in Creamy Goodness

Finally, lower the heat again and stir in the cream along with grated cheese and chopped basil until everything melts together smoothly. The basil adds such freshness!

Step 9: Let It Rest

Allow this dreamy dish to sit covered for about five minutes—it helps thicken up just right! Give it one last stir before serving with fresh lemon wedges on top for that zesty finish.

I hope these Creamy Marry Me Lentils bring joy to your table just as they do mine! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Marry Me Lentils

Creating a delightful dish doesn’t have to be daunting! Here are some tips to help you master these creamy lentils.

• Prep your ingredients ahead: Having all your ingredients ready to go speeds up the cooking process and ensures you won’t miss anything. It makes for a smoother cooking experience and helps you focus on enjoying the moment.
• Use quality sundried tomatoes: The flavor of your dish hinges on the quality of your ingredients. Opting for high-quality sundried tomatoes will enhance the overall taste, bringing that luxurious, rich flavor to your lentils.
• Don’t rush the cooking process: Allowing your spices to bloom in the oil before adding other ingredients is key to unlocking their full flavors. This step takes just a few moments but can transform the taste of your dish significantly.
• Adjust creaminess to your liking: You can play with the amount of cream based on your preference. If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the cream slightly, or substitute with a plant-based cream alternative for a healthier option.
• Let it sit before serving: Allowing the dish to rest after cooking helps thicken up the sauce and lets the flavors meld beautifully. Trust me; this little extra time makes a big difference!

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Lentils

These creamy lentils are not just delicious; they are also visually appealing! Here’s how to present them beautifully at your table.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil adds a pop of color and an herbal freshness that brightens up each bite.
• Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of chili flakes can elevate the flavors and add an exciting kick.
• Lemon Zest: Grating some lemon zest over the top before serving gives an aromatic citrus note that balances the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil and herbs make for an excellent side, adding texture and flavor contrast to your creamy lentils.
• Garlic Bread: Slices of crusty bread brushed with garlic-infused olive oil are perfect for scooping up these delicious lentils—an irresistible combination!
• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a nutritious balance that complements the creamy texture of the lentils.
• Steamed Greens: Lightly steamed kale or spinach drizzled with lemon juice offers a healthy side packed with nutrients, enhancing both color and flavor on your plate.

Now you’re all set to enjoy Creamy Marry Me Lentils in style! Whether it’s for an intimate dinner or meal prep for busy weeknights, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Marry Me Lentils recipe is perfect for meal prep! It holds up wonderfully in the fridge and can easily be reheated, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the lentils to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Once cooled, portion the lentils into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• To reheat, place lentils in a saucepan over low-medium heat.
• Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of vegetable stock if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Marry Me Lentils.

Can I use different types of lentils for this recipe?

Yes! While black lentils are luxurious and recommended, you can also use puy lentils or plain brown or green lentils. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How do I make Creamy Marry Me Lentils vegan?

To make this recipe vegan-friendly, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

What can I serve with Creamy Marry Me Lentils?

These lentils pair beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or as a topping for roasted sweet potatoes. They also make a hearty side dish!

How long do Creamy Marry Me Lentils last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, they will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Creamy Marry Me Lentils recipe! It’s not just a meal; it’s comfort food that brings warmth and happiness to your table. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or sharing it with loved ones, I’m sure you’ll fall head over heels for its rich flavors. Happy cooking!