Craving a Mexican-inspired dish that's both nutritious and mind-blowingly delicious? Prepare to have your taste buds dance with our ultimate Refried Lentils recipe! Forget boring, bland meals – this culinary masterpiece transforms humble lentils into a creamy, spice-packed sensation that will make you forget all about traditional refried beans. Whether you're a vegetarian, a health enthusiast, or simply someone who loves explosive flavors, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the lentils under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. Remove any debris or discolored lentils. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed lentils and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
- While the lentils are cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
- Stir in the cumin and chili powder, allowing the spices to toast for about 30 seconds to enhance their flavors.
- Once the lentils are cooked, drain any excess water and add them to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Using a fork or a potato masher, gently mash some of the lentils to create a creamy texture while leaving some whole for added texture. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the flavors meld together.
- Season with salt to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Once the refried lentils are ready, remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
- Serve the refried lentils warm, either on their own or as a filling for tacos, burritos, or alongside rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- • Use fresh spices: Ensure your cumin and chili powder are fresh for maximum flavor punch. • Don't overcook lentils: Aim for tender but not mushy – they should have a slight bite. • Customize your heat: Adjust chili powder quantity to match your spice tolerance. • For extra creaminess: Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to achieve your desired texture. • Garnish generously: Fresh cilantro isn't just a topping, it's a flavor booster! • Make ahead friendly: These lentils taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare in advance. • Versatility is key: Use as a side dish, taco filling, or spread on toast for a protein-packed meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
