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
Scale
- 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