Delicious Vegetarian Mexican Lentils Recipe for Flavorful Meals Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
