Lentil Tomato Skillet Herbs (Printable)

One-pan lentils with tomatoes and fresh herbs for a flavorful, easy Mediterranean-style meal.

# What You Need:

β†’ Lentils & Pulses

01 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
02 - 2 cups vegetable broth or water

β†’ Vegetables

03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

β†’ Herbs & Seasonings

10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1 tsp dried thyme
12 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
14 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
15 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
16 - 2 tbsp fresh basil, torn

# Directions:

01 - Bring vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add lentils, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Add diced tomatoes with juices, cherry tomatoes, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes.
05 - Fold cooked lentils into the tomato mixture and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
06 - Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2 minutes.
07 - Remove from heat and mix in chopped parsley and torn basil. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It’s a flavorful vegetarian main packed with plant-based protein and fiber
  • One-pan prep for minimal cleanup makes this a quick and easy weeknight dinner
02 -
  • This recipe contains no common allergens, but always check ingredient labels for possible cross-contamination if highly sensitive
  • Feel free to swap spinach for baby kale or arugula, or add feta or a poached egg for more protein
03 -
  • Cook lentils just until tender so they retain their shape in the skillet
  • Stir in fresh herbs at the very end to preserve their bright flavor and color
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