Vegetarian Mexican Lentils are a hearty, nutritious dish made with lentils, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and traditional Mexican spices. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and packed with plant-based protein and fiber.
📝 Ingredients (4 servings)
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1 cup dry lentils, rinsed
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4 cups vegetable broth or water
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tomato, diced (or 1 cup canned tomatoes)
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1 small carrot, diced
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1 small bell pepper, chopped
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp chili powder
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
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Juice of ½ lime
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the lentils
Add lentils and broth to a pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer 20–25 minutes until tender.
2️⃣ Sauté the vegetables
In a skillet, heat olive oil. Cook onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add vegetables and spices
Stir in tomato, carrot, bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Cook 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Combine everything
Add the cooked lentils and some of their broth to the skillet. Simmer 5–10 minutes to blend flavors.
5️⃣ Finish and serve
Add lime juice and cilantro. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Serve with:
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Warm tortillas
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Mexican rice
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Avocado slices
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Fresh salsa
🔢 Approximate Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: ~230
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Protein: ~14 g
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Fiber: ~12 g
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Fat: ~4 g
🌱 Health Benefits
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High in plant protein
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Rich in fiber for digestion
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Helps support heart health
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Naturally low fat and vegetarian