Irresistible Creamy Marry Me Lentils (Print version)

Comforting lentils in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce with aromatic herbs, perfect for cozy dinners.

# What you need:

→ Lentils & Base

01 - 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed thoroughly
02 - 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
07 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

→ Herbs & Spices

08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Creamy Sauce Finish

11 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
12 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

# Directions:

01 - Combine rinsed lentils and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered until lentils are tender but not mushy, 20-25 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
02 - While lentils cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in dried oregano, thyme, and smoked paprika. Cook briefly to toast the spices, about 30 seconds. Add the cooked lentils to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat with the aromatic mixture.
04 - Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle grated Parmesan over the lentil mixture. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and coats the lentils, about 5 minutes. The mixture should become rich and creamy.
05 - Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in chopped fresh basil until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - Transfer to serving bowls and serve hot. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The sauce is luxuriously thick and clings to every single lentil
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day
  • Perfect for meal prep and actually tastes better the next day
02 -
  • The lentils continue absorbing liquid as they sit, so the sauce will thicken in the refrigerator
  • Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are worth every penny for the intensity they bring
  • Do not skip the fresh basil garnish because it adds a bright contrast to the rich sauce
03 -
  • Reserve some pasta water if you are serving this over pasta or grains
  • Grate your own Parmesan for the smoothest texture and best melting

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