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Savory Fall Hearty Lentil Dinner | 45-Min Cozy Fall Weeknight

Easy Savory Fall Lentil Dinner Ready in 45 Minutes

Savory fall lentil dinner thats cozy, hearty, and perfect for weeknight cooking. This easy 45-minute meal is comfort food at its best. Try it today.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Easy Dinner Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 cup brown lentils
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant and translucent.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until the aroma fills your kitchen. This aromatic base creates the foundation for all the flavors that follow in your meal.
  3. Add brown lentils, vegetable broth, canned tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, oregano, and cumin to the pot. Stir everything together thoroughly, then bring to a boil and reduce heat to low simmer.
  4. Simmer the savory fall lentil dinner recipe for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Stir occasionally and check that the liquid level stays adequate throughout cooking.
  5. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar for balance. Add fresh spinach and stir gently for 1-2 minutes until completely wilted into the cozy fall dinner.
  6. Remove the bay leaf before serving in bowls or storing in containers for later enjoyment.