Creamy Marry Me Lentils

These Creamy “Marry Me” Lentils are a decadent vegetarian dish featuring black lentils in a rich, sundried tomato cream sauce. Packed with flavor from Italian herbs, smoked paprika, and fennel seeds, it makes a cozy and satisfying meal when served with bread, rice, or sweet potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Luxuriously creamy and full of flavor
• Adaptable to various lentil types
• Perfect for bread dipping, rice, or pasta
• Easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients
• Ideal for meal prep and reheats well
• A unique vegetarian twist on a viral favorite
• Can be made vegan with simple swaps
• Nutritious and hearty
• Budget-friendly and filling
• Beautifully vibrant and aromatic

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Oil from a jar of sundried tomatoes (for cooking)
• 1 cup dry black, brown, or green lentils (or 2.5 cups cooked, or 2 cans drained and rinsed)
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 6 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tsp fennel seeds, crushed
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable stock
• ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy (double) cream
• 1 cup (100 g) grated parmesan, pecorino, or Italian hard cheese
• 1 bunch basil, chopped
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

1. If using dried lentils, cook them first:
   • Instant Pot: Combine 1 cup lentils with 1.75 cups salted water. Cook on HIGH for 9 minutes, then let naturally release for 10 minutes.
   • Stovetop: Simmer 1 cup lentils in 3.5 cups salted water for around 20 minutes until al dente.
2. Heat a few tablespoons of sundried tomato oil in a large, deep pan. Sauté onions over low-medium heat until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook briefly until aromatic.
4. Add tomato paste and chopped sundried tomatoes. Mix until well combined with aromatics.
5. Turn off heat and set aside.
6. Drain and rinse lentils thoroughly, then add them to the pan. Turn heat back on and mix through.
7. Add vegetable stock. Simmer for 10 minutes (covered at first, then uncovered for final 2-3 minutes).
8. Reduce heat to low, stir in cream, cheese, and basil. Cook until cheese is melted and basil is wilted.
9. Let the lentils sit, covered, for 5 minutes to thicken. Stir and serve with lemon wedges.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Use coconut cream and vegan cheese for a dairy-free version
• Add mushrooms, spinach, or kale for more veggies
• Try with puy, green, or brown lentils
• Serve with pasta, on sweet potatoes, or as a dip

Storage/Reheating

• Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen
• Can be frozen, but best used within 2-3 months due to the dairy content

FAQs

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, substitute the cream with coconut milk or another dairy-free cream and use vegan cheese.

Can I use canned lentils?

Absolutely. Drain and rinse thoroughly before adding to the sauce.

What kind of sundried tomatoes should I use?

Use the kind packed in herby oil for maximum flavor.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, though the texture may slightly change due to the cream. Eat within a few months.

What if I don’t have black lentils?

You can use brown, green, or puy lentils. Avoid red lentils as they become too mushy.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s not spicy, but you can add chili flakes for heat.

Can I add more veggies?

Yes! Spinach, kale, or mushrooms all work well.

What should I serve this with?

Bread, rice, pasta, or baked sweet potatoes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

What can I substitute for fennel seeds?

You can omit them, or try a pinch of anise or caraway seeds for a similar flavor.

Conclusion

Creamy “Marry Me” Lentils combine comfort, nutrition, and bold flavors in one unforgettable dish. Whether served on toast, rice, or pasta, it’s a guaranteed hit for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Add this satisfying meal to your rotation and fall in love bite after bite.

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