Description

This comforting red lentil mash is comfort food redefined. It is warming, savory, lightly spiced, creamy and kind of reminds me of the mashed potatoes and veggies that seem to only appear around Christmas time. It also has a great nutritional profile with 30% of your daily iron, 20 grams of fiber, and 17 grams of protein per serving! Enjoy this as an easy, simple side along a healthy, home-cooked meal.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups red lentils, rinsed
2 3/4 – 3 cups water
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp cayenne pepper or paprika
1 tsp onion and garlic powder
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional but recommenced)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

Thoroughly rinse red lentils and pick out any pebbles found in lentils.
Add lentils, water (only 2 3/4 cups), spices and nutritional yeast to a medium size pot.
Bring lentils to a boil over medium high heat. Once the lentils are boiling give the lentils a stir, reduce heat and simmer over medium heat until all the water is absorbed. If needed, slowly add additional 1/4 cup of water. You want the lentils to be soft enough to mash but not in any way shape or form soupy (this is not lentil soup!).
Once all the water is absorbed, with a wooden spoon or masher, mix in coconut oil while mashing and mixing the lentils until desired consistency is formed. The warmth of the lentils will met the coconut oil. The lentils should easily fall apart when mixed.
Taste and season with salt and pepper and additional spices if desired.
Leave to sit for 5 minutes in a covered pot. The lentils will thicken up upon sitting.
Serve as a nutrient packed side with dinner or lunch. Enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to substitute your own favorite dried herbs. Use these spices as a suggestion and season your comforting red lentil mash to taste!

Cook Time: 15 mins
Category: Side
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 252
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 37mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 0mg