Description
A flavorful and hearty Vegetarian Mexican Lentils recipe featuring brown lentils, sweet potatoes, black beans, and bold Mexican spices, simmered to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This dish is a nutritious, comforting, and easy-to-make meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup diced sweet potatoes (1/2 inch pieces)
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 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
- 2 cups broth of choice
- Cheddar cheese (amount to your liking)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, diced sweet potatoes, cumin, chili powder, and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors and slightly soften sweet potatoes.
- Add lentils, beans, tomatoes, corn, and broth: Add brown lentils, drained black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), frozen corn, and broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer until lentils are tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils and sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot topped with shredded cheddar cheese as desired.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or chicken broth for extra flavor.
- Adjust chili powder to control spiciness level.
- Rinsing lentils before cooking helps reduce any earthy flavors and removes debris.
- For a vegan version, omit the cheddar cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: vegetarian lentils, Mexican lentils, healthy vegetarian dinner, lentil stew, sweet potato lentils, easy lentil recipe
