Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious, mouth-watering masterpiece! This vegetarian delight combines the earthy richness of mushrooms with protein-packed lentils, creating a creamy, satisfying dish that will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, proving that gourmet meals can be both simple and spectacular.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse lentils thoroughly under cold water and drain, removing any debris or small stones.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pan.
- Simmer the lentils for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until they are tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once lentils are cooked, stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness and color.
Tips
- Lentil Perfection: Always rinse your lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and prevent a gritty texture. Choose green or brown lentils for this recipe, as they hold their shape best during cooking.
- Mushroom Magic: For the most intense flavor, use a mix of mushroom varieties like cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms. Ensure they're sliced evenly for consistent cooking.
- Flavor Boosting: Toast your minced garlic briefly to enhance its nutty, aromatic qualities without burning.
- Cream Control: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Texture Tip: Don't overcook the lentils - they should be tender but still have a slight bite to maintain a pleasant texture.
- Garnish Greatness: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme can elevate the dish's visual appeal and add a burst of fresh flavor.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
