Veggies and Lentils in Peanut Sauce
Veggies and Lentils in Peanut Sauce. Easy weeknight meal. Yes, add lentils to Thai Peanut Butter Sauce! Use other nut butters. Vegan Gluten-free Soy-free Yeast-free Corn-free Recipe
Veggies and Lentils in Peanut Sauce. Easy weeknight meal. Yes, add lentils to Thai Peanut Butter Sauce! Use other nut butters. Vegan Gluten-free Soy-free Yeast-free Corn-free Recipe
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tsp oil
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1.5 cups water
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 tbsp or more sugar
- 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce or asian chili sauce (to taste)
- 4 tbsp or more peanut butter or almond butter (i usually
- 2 piece of fresh ginger (coarsely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or use coconut aminos to make soy-free
- zest of 1/2 a kaffir lime (or regular lime)
- 1/4 tsp tamarind concentrate (optional)
- 1/4 tsp or more cayenne
- 1/2 cup masoor dal quick cooking split lentils (washed and drained)
- 1/3 cup sliced red or white onion
- 1/4 cup sliced carrots
- half a zucchini thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh basil sliced
- Carbohydrate 4.86308000233688 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 43.2678362703715 g
- Fiber 0.446291659403893 g
- Protein 2.44125000190816 g
- Saturated Fat 23.8703008514015 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (333g)
- Sodium 32.4915833515841 mg
- Sugar 4.41678834293299 g
- Trans Fat 2.36632062621628 g
- Calories 399 calories
Step-by-step
- Blend all the ingredients under peanut sauce until smooth. Taste and adjust salt, sweet and spice if needed. Keep aside.
- Cook the lentils in 1.5 cups of water with a dash of salt and sugar, over medium heat for 10 minutes. The lentils will cook to just about done. If they are crunchy, cook a minute or so longer. Drain and keep aside.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, add oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until translucent. 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add bell peppers and carrots and cook for another 2 minutes, Add in the zucchini and basil. Add some baby greens like spinach if you like.
- Add the peanut sauce and mix well. Add the lentils and mix in.
- Reduce heat to medium and bring the sauce to a boil. About 4 minutes.
- Taste and adjust salt, sweet and spice. Check if the lentils are cooked to preference. Cook longer for softer lentils. Take off heat.
- Cover and let sit for another few minutes. Garnish with pepper flakes or cayenne and serve over rice, grains or wide noodles of choice.
Veggies and Lentils in Peanut Sauce: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and after-school activities, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, and nutritious recipes that the whole family will love. This Veggies and Lentils in Peanut Sauce recipe is my new go-to; it's ready in under 30 minutes and is packed with flavor and goodness. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The peanut sauce is incredibly easy to whip up – simply blend all the ingredients together until smooth. I love using a combination of peanut butter and coconut milk for a rich and creamy texture. Feel free to experiment with other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter for a slightly different flavor profile. The sriracha adds a delightful kick, but you can adjust the amount to your preference. Some days I’m craving extra heat, while other days I want a milder flavor. That’s the beauty of cooking at home, you can easily tailor it to your taste!
The lentils add a hearty protein punch to the dish, making it a complete and satisfying meal. I use masoor dal (red lentils), as they cook quickly and don't require pre-soaking. While the lentils simmer, I quickly sauté the vegetables – onions, bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini. I often throw in some spinach or other baby greens for added nutrients and vibrant color. The combination of the creamy peanut sauce and the crunchy, slightly sweet vegetables is a match made in heaven. And don't even get me started on the fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen as it simmers!
This recipe is incredibly flexible. I often change up the vegetables based on what's in season or what I have on hand. Sometimes I add broccoli florets, or even some sliced mushrooms. The possibilities are endless! I serve it over rice, quinoa, or even wide noodles for a heartier meal. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a few crushed red pepper flakes adds a lovely finishing touch.
But this isn't just a weeknight wonder; it's also perfect for meal prepping. You can easily double or triple the recipe and store it in the refrigerator for several days. It actually tastes even better the next day, the flavors having had a chance to meld together beautifully. This makes it ideal for those busy days when you need a healthy and convenient meal ready in a flash. And let's be honest, who doesn't love leftovers? Especially ones that taste even better the next day!
Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this recipe also offers a significant health boost. Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, which are essential for maintaining a healthy weight and digestive system. The vegetables provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals, and the peanut butter contributes healthy fats. It's a complete meal that nourishes your body from the inside out. This is especially important for me, given my hectic lifestyle. I need to ensure that I'm fueling my body with the nutrients it needs to keep up with the demands of my day.
So, if you're looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make weeknight dinner, give this Veggies and Lentils in Peanut Sauce a try. You won't be disappointed. This recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little planning and a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that is both satisfying and nourishing. And that's a win-win in my book!
I encourage you to experiment with this recipe and make it your own. Try different vegetables, different nut butters, or different spices. The possibilities are endless! And remember, cooking should be enjoyable. Don't be afraid to get creative and have fun in the kitchen. The most important thing is to create a meal that you and your family will love.
