Roasted Veggie Lentil Skillet
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
I love how easy it is to whip up a satisfying and nutritious meal with just a few ingredients. The Roasted Veggie Lentil Skillet is one of my go-to recipes because it’s not only delicious but also packed with flavors. Each bite bursts with the earthy goodness of lentils paired with vibrant roasted vegetables. My family can’t get enough of this dish, and I feel great knowing that I’m putting a healthy meal on the table in no time. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
When I first made this Roasted Veggie Lentil Skillet, I was amazed at how all the flavors melded together beautifully. I started by roasting the vegetables to enhance their natural sweetness, which made a world of difference in the overall taste. You can really customize it with whatever vegetables you have on hand, too!
One tip I learned is to use at least a mix of seasonal veggies—bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots work wonderfully. Not only do they add vibrant colors, but they also contribute a lovely texture that complements the hearty lentils. Trust me; it's a crowd-pleaser!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and filling with protein-rich lentils
- Versatile: Easily swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables
- Great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day
Choosing the Right Lentils
When it comes to lentils, varieties like green or brown work exceptionally well for this skillet dish. Their earthy flavors complement the roasted veggies beautifully. I recommend using dried lentils over canned ones for this recipe, as they hold their shape better during cooking and have a fresher taste. Always rinse them under cold water to remove any debris before cooking to ensure the best flavor and texture.
If you're looking for a quicker option, split red lentils can also be used, though they will cook faster and tend to become mushy. If you choose split lentils, adjust the cooking time to about 10-15 minutes instead of the usual 20 minutes for whole lentils.
Perfectly Roasted Vegetables
Roasting the vegetables at a high temperature is crucial for bringing out their natural sweetness and creating a delightful texture contrast in your dish. Make sure your vegetables are cut into uniform sizes, about 1-inch pieces, to ensure even cooking. If your oven has a convection setting, use it! It helps achieve that golden-brown color and crispiness on the edges that elevates the dish.
Don't hesitate to experiment with other vegetables as well! Seasonal favorites like eggplant, butternut squash, or even Brussels sprouts can add unique flavors. Just remember to adjust the roasting time as denser vegetables may need a few extra minutes to become tender and caramelized.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Roasted Veggie Lentil Skillet!
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're set to create something delicious!
Instructions
Follow these steps for a delectable Roasted Veggie Lentil Skillet!
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the diced zucchini, red bell pepper, carrot, and onion evenly on the tray. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and golden.
Cook the Lentils
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 20 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
Combine and Season
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the minced garlic and cumin. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the roasted vegetables and cooked lentils. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, mixing everything well.
Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your nutritious meal!
That's it! Your delicious Roasted Veggie Lentil Skillet is ready to serve.
Pro Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on what you have available. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can add a refreshing zing!
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This Roasted Veggie Lentil Skillet is perfect for meal prep! You can easily cook a double batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply place it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
If you want to make this dish even more adaptable for your weeknight dinners, consider freezing individual portions. Once cooled, place the lentil skillet in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish as a standalone meal, or pair it with a side of crusty bread for a heartier dinner. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top can add a creamy contrast that complements the flavors beautifully. Additionally, you can elevate your presentation by serving it in a colorful bowl and garnishing with a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing finish.
For an extra flavor boost, try adding your favorite spices to the skillet right before serving! A pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes can enhance the overall taste and add depth. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish according to your family's preferences and keeps each meal exciting.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use canned lentils?
Yes, you can! Just add them to the skillet at the end to heat them through, skipping the cooking step.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Is this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This dish is naturally vegan and packed with plant-based nutrients.
→ Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Roasted Veggie Lentil Skillet
I love how easy it is to whip up a satisfying and nutritious meal with just a few ingredients. The Roasted Veggie Lentil Skillet is one of my go-to recipes because it’s not only delicious but also packed with flavors. Each bite bursts with the earthy goodness of lentils paired with vibrant roasted vegetables. My family can’t get enough of this dish, and I feel great knowing that I’m putting a healthy meal on the table in no time. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
Created by: Helena Wright
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the diced zucchini, red bell pepper, carrot, and onion evenly on the tray. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and golden.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 20 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the minced garlic and cumin. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the roasted vegetables and cooked lentils. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, mixing everything well.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your nutritious meal!
Extra Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on what you have available. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can add a refreshing zing!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 44g
- Dietary Fiber: 16g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 15g