Creamy Lemon Spinach Lentils

Name: Creamy Lemon Spinach Lentils
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup lentils (any variety); 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk; Salt and pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making Creamy Lemon Spinach Lentils on busy weeknights! This dish, filled with hearty lentils and vibrant spinach, comes together in just under an hour. The lemon adds a refreshing brightness that elevates the earthy flavors of the lentils, and the creamy texture makes it utterly satisfying. It's a perfect way to sneak more greens into your diet while enjoying a delicious and nutritious meal. I often pair it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete dinner that's sure to please everyone at the table.

Created by

Rosalie Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-01-18T03:46:17.346Z

When I first experimented with Creamy Lemon Spinach Lentils, I wanted something comforting yet healthy. The addition of fresh lemon juice and zest turned a simple lentil dish into a vibrant feast. Cooking the lentils slowly allows them to absorb flavors wonderfully, creating a rich experience in every bite. Plus, the spinach wilts perfectly, adding both color and nutrients.

I've found that using coconut milk for creaminess lends a subtle sweetness that balances the dish beautifully. Each time I make it, I discover new flavor combinations by adding spices or herbs. My favorite addition is a hint of garlic, which brings everything together in a magical way!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Zesty freshness from lemon that brightens up the dish
Creamy texture that makes every bite indulgent
Quick to prepare, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner

      

Mastering the Lentils

Lentils are the star of this dish, and their cooking time can vary slightly depending on the variety you choose. While green or brown lentils generally take around 25-30 minutes to become tender, red lentils cook faster and might only need 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness by tasting—a perfect lentil should be tender yet hold its shape, so they don't turn mushy in the final dish.

It's crucial to rinse your lentils before cooking to remove any dirt or debris. Additionally, soaking them for an hour can help to reduce cooking time and make them even creamier. If you're short on time, though, feel free to skip this step! Just ensure that you keep the pot covered while simmering to retain moisture, allowing the lentils to absorb the flavors of the vegetable broth.

Elevating the Creaminess

Coconut milk adds a unique creaminess to the dish without dairy, making it vegan-friendly. To enhance the richness, you can use full-fat coconut milk, which contributes a luxurious texture, or light coconut milk for a lighter option. Whichever you choose, make sure to stir well after adding it to the skillet—aim for a glossy appearance that indicates it has melded beautifully with the other ingredients.

For added depth of flavor, consider toasting your spices before incorporating them. A quick saute of red pepper flakes and lemon zest along with the onions can help release their essential oils, deeply enhancing the aromatic profile of the dish. Just be cautious not to burn them—about 30 seconds over medium heat should be sufficient to unlock their full potential.

Storage and Serving Tips

These Creamy Lemon Spinach Lentils make excellent leftovers! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or coconut milk to restore the creamy texture. Gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking—this will keep your dish tasting freshly made.

For a delightful serving twist, try topping your lentils with crispy sautéed mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes for added texture and flavor. Pair it with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or some nutritional yeast to add an extra layer of umami. This dish is versatile enough that you can customize it based on what's in your pantry or personal preferences!

Ingredients

For Creamy Lemon Spinach Lentils

1 cup lentils (any variety)
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Lentils

Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain. In a medium pot, combine lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.

Cook covered for 25-30 minutes or until tender.

Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the cooked lentils, coconut milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the skillet with onion and garlic. Mix until well combined and heat through for about 5 minutes.

Add Spinach

Fold in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the creamy lemon spinach lentils warm, garnished with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs as desired.

Tips

Pro Tips

For an added punch, garnish the dish with toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds just before serving.

Ingredient Roles in Detail

The spinach not only provides a vibrant green color but is also a fantastic source of iron and vitamins A and C. For this recipe, fresh spinach is preferred as it wilts quickly and integrates seamlessly. If you only have frozen spinach on hand, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your dish.

Using vegetable broth instead of water adds additional layers of flavor to your lentils. If you're looking to customize the taste further, consider homemade broth infused with herbs and aromatic spices like thyme or bay leaves. This foundational flavor will significantly enhance the dish and work harmoniously with the zesty lemon.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your lentils seem to be taking longer than expected to cook, check the heat level under your pot. It might be too low; gently increase it to ensure a steady simmer. Remember, boiled lentils are not ideal—they can break apart and become mushy. If you've added too much water and they are still not tender, let them simmer longer, uncovered, to reduce the liquid.

Over-seasoning can sometimes occur when adding spices. Taste your dish at various stages, especially after incorporating salt and lemon juice, to avoid overpowering the other flavors. If you find it too salty, balancing it out with a bit more coconut milk can help, as it will dilute the saltiness while adding creaminess back into the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding.

→ What can I substitute for coconut milk?

You can use heavy cream or any plant-based milk for a lighter version, but it may alter the flavor.

→ How long do leftovers stay fresh?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I add protein to this recipe?

Absolutely! Cooked chicken, tofu, or chickpeas would complement this dish well.