Tomato Braised Lentils are a nourishing and healthy side dish, or vegetarian meal. These tiny legumes are slowly simmered in an herb-infused, tomatoey broth. Once cooked, the lentils are tender and creamy, yet hold their shape. Lentils are a perfect pairing with your favorite protein. Leftovers are even better the next day!
Lentils 101
Although not new, lentils are quickly surpassing chickpeas as the go-to superfood in pastas, chips and even pet food.
Lentils are a a tiny, round-shaped legume that has long been a staple in Indian cuisine (daal). In addition, these protein-packed lentils play a huge role in vegan cooking as a plant-based source of protein. They are grown in pods and come in a variety of sizes and colors (green, brown, black, red, yellow and green). Also, lentils are gluten-free!
Why You Should Make This Lentils Recipe
- Packed with Plant-Based Protein: Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making this dish perfect for vegans and vegetarians. It’s a filling, nutritious meal for any diet. These powerful legumes contain 18 grams of protein in one cup.
- Rich in Fiber and Nutrients: Lentils are naturally high in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting heart health. Combined with tomatoes, which are full of antioxidants like lycopene, this tomato braised lentils recipe provides a nutrient-rich option for healthy eating. Lentils are generous in polyphenols. Polyphenols fight off harmful agents in the body.
- Budget-Friendly and Easy to Make: Lentils are a cost-effective protein source, and the recipe uses affordable pantry staples like canned tomatoes and basic spices. Perfect for a quick, budget-conscious meal.
- Comforting and Hearty: Slow-cooked lentils in a rich tomato sauce create a comforting, hearty dish that’s ideal for chilly nights. It’s satisfying enough to be a main course, or served as a side dish.
- Great for Meal Prep: Tomato braised lentils store well in the fridge or freezer, making them perfect for meal prepping. They taste even better the next day, allowing you to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is easy to adjust with different herbs, spices, or added vegetables, making it versatile for a range of tastes. Pair it with rice, crusty bread, or your favorite protein.
What is Braising?
Braising is a cooking technique that begins with browning, and ends with steaming. In the case of this recipe for Tomato Braised Lentils, the mirepoix is sautéed with the legumes, then combined with liquid and covered to steam.
Stewing and braising are similar techniques. However, stewing calls for the use of more liquid.
Tips on Making the Best Tomato Braised Lentils
- Lentil: French green lentils work really well in this lentil recipe. Green lentils or black lentils are great substitutes.
- Mirepoix: Feel free to add or substitute with leeks and/or fennel.
- Sherry Wine: This is NOT cooking sherry. White wine, red wine or marsala wine are suitable for substituting.
- Vegetable Stock: Easily substitute with chicken stock
- Tomato Passata: Use crushed, diced or tomato sauce, as substitutes
- Fresh Herbs: Use whatever you have in your pantry (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
How to Prepare Tomato Braised Lentils
- Rinse and drain the lentils.
- Heat the oil in a deep sauté pan.
- Add in the onion, celery and carrot. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté for a few minutes to soften the vegetables.
- Add in the lentils, garlic and white wine.
- Allow the wine to cook off for a few minutes.
- Add in the tomato purée. Season again with salt and pepper.
- Pour in the stock along with the fresh herbs and bay leaves.
- Cover and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Remove and discard the bay leaves and any woody stems of the herbs.
- Stir in fresh parsley.
How to Serve and Store Tomato Braised Lentils
These creamy, Tomato Braised Lentils can be enjoyed as a vegetarian side dish, or meal with roasted vegetables.
Alternatively, these braised lentils make for a perfect pairing with:
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to three months.
- Reheat on stovetop or microwave.
- Leftovers can also be repurposed into a salad, as a base for fried or poached eggs, or mixed with wilted greens.
Tomato Braised Lentils
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tomato Braised Lentils are a nourishing and healthy side dish, or vegetarian meal. These tiny legumes are slowly simmered in an herb-infused, tomatoey broth. Once cooked, the lentils are tender and creamy, yet hold their shape. Leftovers are even better the next day!
Ingredients
- 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 white onion, minced
- 1 large celery stalk, minced
- 1 carrot, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces tomato passata (purée)
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 2 to 3 fresh thyme and/or rosemary sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse and drain the lentils.
- Heat the oil in a deep sauté pan.
- Add in the onion, celery and carrot. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté for a few minutes to soften the vegetables.
- Add in the lentils, garlic and white wine.
- Allow the wine to cook off for a few minutes.
- Add in the tomato purée. Season again with salt and pepper.
- Pour in the stock along with the fresh herbs and bay leaves.
- Cover and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Remove and discard the bay leaves and any woody stems of the herbs.
- Stir in fresh parsley.
- Serve alone as a vegetarian dish, or side dish.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- French green lentils work really well in this lentil recipe. Green or black lentils are great substitutions.
- Feel free to add or substitute the celery and onions with leeks and/or fennel.
- Do not use sherry cooking wine.
- White wine, red wine or marsala wine are suitable for substituting.
- Easily substitute the vegetable stock with chicken stock.
- Use crushed, diced or tomato sauce, as substitutes.
- Use whatever you have in your pantry (rosemary, thyme, parsley).
- Avoid simmering to hard. You want the lentils to retain their shape and not become mushy.
- Serve these tomato braised lentils alone, or alongside your favorite protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
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