Ingredients
Lentils and Soaking
- 1 ½ cups dry brown lentils
- 3 cups boiling water, divided
Seasonings and Sauté
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Garnish
- fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare lentils: Add the dry brown lentils to a large mixing bowl, sorting out any debris. Rinse thoroughly and drain. Pour enough boiling water over the lentils to cover them and let them soak for 10 minutes. Set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large pot or 4-quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and turmeric. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in 1 cup boiling water and stir to combine.
- Add lentils and seasonings: Drain the soaked lentils, rinse again, and drain. Stir the lentils into the pot with the remaining 2 cups boiling water. Add cumin, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
- Simmer lentils: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the lentils simmer for 15 minutes or until tender but not mushy.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm over brown or white rice, coconut rice, or rice pilaf. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. They also pair well with naan, pita bread, biscuits, or dinner rolls for dipping.
Notes
- Soaking lentils before cooking reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
- Use fresh boiling water when adding to the pot after sautéing to maintain a good cooking temperature.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper after cooking.
- For vegan or vegetarian diets, this recipe is naturally suitable.
- Brown lentils hold their shape well but you can substitute with green lentils if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
