Description
This Delicious Vegetarian Mexican Lentils recipe offers a hearty, comforting dinner option packed with nutritious ingredients like brown lentils, sweet potatoes, black beans, and a blend of Mexican spices. Perfect for a satisfying meatless meal, it features a rich tomato base and is topped with melted cheddar cheese for added flavor.
Ingredients
Produce
- 1 medium yellow onion (white onion or shallots can be used)
- 3 cloves garlic cloves (fresh garlic is preferred)
- 2 cups sweet potatoes (can substitute with regular potatoes or carrots)
- 1 cup frozen corn (can substitute with fresh corn when in season)
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (can substitute with avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (ground coriander can be an alternative)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (consider using smoked paprika)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (replace with diced fresh tomatoes if desired)
- 1 cup brown lentils (green lentils can be used, adjust cooking time)
- 1 can black beans (use any canned beans based on preference)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (opt for no-salt-added to control sodium)
- 4 cups broth (vegetable or chicken, low-sodium recommended)
Dairy
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (consider vegan cheese for dairy-free)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and allow it to warm up to sauté the vegetables.
- Sauté the onion: Add diced yellow onion to the pot and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, diced sweet potatoes, cumin, chili powder, and tomato paste. Cook the mixture until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
- Add lentils and other ingredients: Mix in brown lentils, drained and rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes, frozen corn, and broth. Stir well to combine all the components evenly.
- Simmer the lentils: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender and the sweet potatoes are cooked through.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and add salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes or carrots for a different flavor profile.
- Use green lentils instead of brown lentils if preferred, but adjust cooking time as they may cook faster.
- For a vegan version, replace cheddar cheese with vegan cheese and use vegetable broth.
- Using low-sodium broth and no-salt-added canned tomatoes helps control sodium levels.
- Feel free to add extra chili powder or smoked paprika for a spicier, smoky flavor.
- Frozen corn can be replaced with fresh corn when in season for a sweeter taste.