The spiced lentils are a simple yet incredibly fragrant dish that captivates from the first spoonful. The spices envelop the lentils in a warm and intense aromatic mix, transforming a daily ingredient into a recipe full of character.
Perfect as a pasta sauce, ideal to serve with barley or simply enjoy with slices of toasted bread, spiced lentils are a versatile and nutritious solution. A recipe designed for those who love legumes, follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, and seek a healthy dish without sacrificing taste.
Rich in fiber and naturally a source of iron, lentils support intestinal well-being and provide good and lasting energy. A genuine comfort food that smells like home and is really good for health: spoon after spoon.
Also try these other delicious recipes:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4 people
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Energy 429.94 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 57.70 (g) of which sugars 4.35 (g)
- Proteins 19.97 (g)
- Fat 13.54 (g) of which saturated 1.96 (g)of which unsaturated 0.86 (g)
- Fibers 11.56 (g)
- Sodium 326.11 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 250 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Spiced Lentils
- 10.5 oz lentils
- 2 carrots
- 1 stalk celery
- 1 tomato
- 1 onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 dried chili pepper
- 1 1/4 cup white wine
- 1 tbsp thyme
- 1 tbsp bay leaf
- 1 tbsp rosemary
- 1 tbsp sage
- 1 tbsp marjoram
- 4 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt
Preparation of Spiced Lentils
Wash and drain the lentils. Then, chop the garlic clove, onion, carrots, and celery with the herbs.
In a pot, sauté the chopped ingredients in 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Add the red chili pepper and the tomato, and let them flavor. Now, add the lentils, deglaze with the quarter cup of red wine, and mix the ingredients well.Finally, pour in some previously boiled water to cover. Let it cook on low heat, with the lid on, for about 45 minutes. Stir the lentils constantly.
Ensure there is always enough water. If necessary, add more boiling water.Serve the dish hot.
Not everyone knows that lentils are the world’s oldest legume. The lentil was, in fact, the first legume to be cultivated. Traces of it have been found in some excavations in Turkey, dating back to 5500 BC. From Syria, where it originated, it spread throughout the Mediterranean, becoming a basic ingredient in many delicious recipes.
Storage of Spiced Lentils
Spiced lentils keep very well in the refrigerator. Once completely cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge: they remain perfect for 2–3 days.
Before serving them again, you can reheat them in a pan with a bit of water or oil to revive their aroma and creaminess.
It’s also possible to freeze them: let them cool, portion them, and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to use, let them thaw slowly in the refrigerator and then heat them.
Related Recipes
Tuscan Chickpea Pasta Traditional Recipe
Beans all’uccelletto Tuscan Style: A Delicious Side Dish Celebrating Tradition and Simplicity
FAQ
Are spiced lentils suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, spiced lentils are a 100% vegan recipe, made exclusively with legumes, spices, and plant-based ingredients.
What type of lentils is best to use for this recipe?
You can use dried lentils (preferably small ones like red or brown) or already cooked lentils. Red split lentils make the dish creamier.
Can spiced lentils be used as a pasta sauce?
Absolutely yes. Spiced lentils are perfect as an alternative sauce for short pasta, but they also pair excellently with barley, rice, or other grains.
Can they be prepared in advance?
Yes, in fact, preparing them in advance allows the spices to blend better, making the spiced lentils even more fragrant and flavorful.
