Spicy Mexican Lentils
Spicy Mexican Lentils offer a hearty, flavorful dish with smoky cumin and cilantro, perfect for those craving a vegetarian, protein-rich, and mildly spicy meal with authentic Mexican flair.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups lentils ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 5 cloves garlic, minced or crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro ⓘ
- 1/2 fresh green chile, seeded and minced or 1 teaspoon chile powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) can green chile salsa
- 2 cups canned tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly and set aside.
- In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, and chopped green chile or chile powder.
- Add the lentils, green chile salsa, tomato sauce, and water to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Stir occasionally and season with salt if needed.
- Add chopped cilantro before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or adjusting the heat level by using more or less green chile. If you don't have fresh green chiles, you can substitute with jalapeños or even a few dashes of hot sauce. To save time, you can use canned lentils instead of dried, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spicy Mexican lentils with warm tortillas or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. They pair beautifully with Easy Guacamole Dip and could be complemented by a side of Roasted Corn Black Bean And Mango Salad for a refreshing contrast. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top adds a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. This dish also freezes well, so consider portioning it out for quick meals later.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Mexican Lentils contains roughly 915 calories, with 32g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (74% of the Daily Value), and protein (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1002mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe can be made ahead and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just follow the recipe, let it cool completely, and store in the fridge. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! This spicy Mexican lentils recipe is completely vegan, as it contains no animal products. It's a healthy, plant-based option perfect for anyone looking to enjoy delicious vegan recipes.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover lentils can be transformed into a hearty soup by adding more broth and vegetables. They can also be used as a filling for tacos or burritos, or even mixed into a salad for added protein. Get creative!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).