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Easy 20-Minute One Pot Lentils

20-Minute One Pot Lentils for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner

Easy 20-Minute One Pot Lentils is a quick, vegan, and gluten-free dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Lentils
  • 1 cup Dry Brown Lentils Soaking them beforehand enhances digestibility.
For the Aromatics
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Feel free to use vegetable oil for a lighter touch.
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped; shallots or leeks make great alternatives.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced; fresh works wonders or use powdered for convenience.
For the Spice Blend
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Infuses color and earthy flavor; curry powder can be used for a spicy twist.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Provides warm, earthy notes; omit or substitute with ground coriander.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Oregano and basil can stand in if preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Vital for enhancing all flavors; adjust based on dietary preferences.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Feel free to swap in white pepper for a milder flavor.
For the Cooking Liquid
  • 3 cups Boiling Water Using vegetable broth here can really deepen the taste.
For the Garnish
  • 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro A lovely finishing touch; parsley works as a substitute.

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Begin by soaking the lentils in hot water for about 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, turmeric, ground cumin, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
  4. Add soaked lentils and boiling water or vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Check lentils for tenderness. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over rice or bread, garnished with cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 18gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 12gSugar: 2gVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Soaking the lentils helps improve digestibility and reduces cooking time. Using vegetable broth instead of water enhances flavor.

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