Delicious Vegetarian Mexican Lentils Recipe for Flavorful Meals Recipe

Introduction

Discover the vibrant flavors of this delicious vegetarian Mexican lentils recipe. It’s hearty, nutritious, and perfect for a cozy meal that satisfies both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup diced sweet potatoes (1/2 inch pieces)
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 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
• 2 cups broth of choice
• Cheddar cheese (amount to your liking)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in garlic, sweet potatoes, cumin, chili powder, and tomato paste. Cook for a few minutes to release the flavors.
3. Step 3: Add lentils, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Step 4: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot topped with your preferred amount of cheddar cheese.

Tips & Variations

• For extra warmth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a diced jalapeño while cooking.
• Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash or regular potatoes for a different texture.
• Use vegetable broth to keep the dish fully vegetarian and enhance flavor.
• Top with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a bright finish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the lentils have thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lentils in this recipe?

Yes, but cooking times will vary. Brown lentils are ideal for maintaining texture, while red lentils cook faster and may become softer or mushy.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Delicious Vegetarian Mexican Lentils Recipe for Flavorful Meals Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 120 reviews

This Delicious Vegetarian Mexican Lentils recipe offers a flavorful and hearty meal packed with protein-rich lentils, sweet potatoes, black beans, and vibrant spices. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this nutritious dish combines classic Mexican seasonings with wholesome ingredients to create a satisfying and easy-to-make vegetarian meal.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables & Legumes

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

Spices & Oils

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

Liquids

• 2 cups broth of choice

Toppings

• Cheddar cheese (amount to your liking)

Instructions

1. Heat oil and sauté onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, diced sweet potatoes, cumin, chili powder, and tomato paste. Cook this mixture for a few minutes to allow the spices to bloom and the sweet potatoes to begin softening.
3. Add lentils and other main ingredients: Pour in the rinsed lentils, black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), frozen corn, and broth. Stir everything well to combine all flavors evenly.
4. Simmer the lentil stew: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through.
5. Season and serve: Taste the stew and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve the lentils hot, topped generously with cheddar cheese to add creaminess and flavor.

Notes

• For a vegan option, omit the cheddar cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• You can substitute brown lentils with green lentils if preferred, but cooking time may vary slightly.
• Use low-sodium broth to better control the salt content of the dish.
• If you like a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Vegetarian lentils, Mexican lentils recipe, healthy lentil stew, sweet potato lentils, plant-based Mexican dish, easy vegetarian dinner