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Vegetarian Mexican Lentils Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 720 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Vegetarian Mexican Lentils recipe featuring nutritious lentils, sweet potatoes, black beans, and warming spices. This comforting one-pot meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a wholesome dinner topped with melted cheddar cheese for extra richness.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup diced sweet potatoes (1/2 inch pieces)

Spices and Flavorings

  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Legumes and Grains

  • 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 ounce) no-salt-added black beans
  • 1 can (15 ounce) no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup frozen corn

Liquids

  • 2 cups broth of choice

Toppings

  • Cheddar cheese (amount to your liking)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil and sauté onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes, to soften and release its flavor.
  2. Add garlic, sweet potatoes, and spices: Stir in minced garlic, diced sweet potatoes, cumin, chili powder, and tomato paste. Cook for a few minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and the sweet potatoes to slightly soften.
  3. Add lentils, beans, tomatoes, corn, and broth: Add the rinsed lentils, no-salt-added black beans, diced tomatoes, frozen corn, and broth to the pot. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
  4. Simmer until lentils are tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally until the lentils are tender and the flavors are well melded.
  5. Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the vegetable and lentil mixture hot, topped generously with shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy, savory finish.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium or no-salt broth to control sodium levels.
  • Substitute cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese for a vegan version.
  • Lentils do not require pre-soaking, making this recipe easy and quick to prepare.
  • Feel free to add fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving for extra zest.
  • Sweet potatoes can be swapped for regular potatoes or butternut squash if desired.

Keywords: vegetarian lentils, Mexican lentils, one-pot meal, healthy dinner, lentil stew, sweet potatoes, black beans, Mexican recipe

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/vegetarian-mexican-lentils-recipe/