Whether you have a busy day ahead, need an energy boost or simply crave a well balanced nutrient dense meal, this Nourishing Lentil Bowl will hit the spot!

As much as I love salads, I feel like I need a little bit more warmth and substance as the days get colder. That’s when I start making simple yet delicious bowls full of sauteed veggies with lentils or beans and a generous drizzle of creamy dressing .

Creamy Tahini dressing

It wouldn’t be a perfect bowl without a creamy delicious dressing. This dressing is hands down my favourite part about the whole recipe:) If you’re anything like me, you’re gonna love it too!

The key ingredient is Tahini which is a paste made from sesame seeds. By adding ginger, turmeric, lemon and miso paste, this simple dressing is not only flavourful but also anti-inflammatory, perfect for your immunity and healthy gut friendly.

Can I use any type of lentils?

Absolutely! I chose brown lentils because I love their texture and slightly nutty, earthy taste. However, feel free to experiment with different types of lentils, swap them for beans or chickpeas, or skip them all together and add a grain of your choice.

This is the best part about bowls like this. They’re super versatile so you can easily adapt them to your cravings. One thing to keep in mind when using different legumes is to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Why you’ll love this Nourishing Lentil Bowl

Quick & easy to make
Delicious
Nutrient dense
Wholesome
Energy & health boosting
Full of protein

I love making this bowl during a busy week or whenever I need something extra nourishing and grounding. You can easily prepare this meal ahead of time and have it on hand for a quick lunch the next day - you can warm it up in the pan or simply eat as is.

The dressing is so yummy and versatile that it can be used on different meals throughout the week. Keep it in a jar in the fridge and reach for it to instantly elevate any dish.

Extra tip: Make this lentil bowl even more nutrient dense and satiating by sprinkling my Easy Savoury Granola on top of it.

Nourishing Lentil Bowl

Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:
1 cup brown lentils + 1 3/4 cups water or veggie broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, chopped
1 small zucchini, chopped
1/2 broccoli, cut into small florets
5 medium size mushrooms, sliced
1 tbsp soy sauce

For the dressing:
2 tbsp Tahini
Juice from half a lemon
1 tsp soy sauce
Thumb sized piece of ginger, minced
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp miso paste
1/2 tbsp maple syrup (you can also use agave or honey)
1 tsp sriracha
1 tsp turmeric powder
6 - 7 tbsp warm water
Salt and pepper

Optional for serving - avocado, greens (spinach, lettuce, arugula etc.), pickled cabbage, kimchi, nuts and seeds, homemade Easy Savoury Granola.

Instructions:
1. Rinse your lentils under cold running water. Add lentils to a pot with water or veggie broth, bring to a gentle simmer and cook covered for about 18 minutes.

2. In a pan heat up olive oil over medium high heat. Add in finely chopped shallot and cook until soft and tranluscent, for about 2 minutes.

3. Add in minced garlic, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots and broccoli. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6 - 7 minutes (I like my veggies on the more crunchy side). Then pour over 1 tbsp of sauce and give it one more stir.

4. Prepare your dressing. Add all of the dressing ingredients into a blender or mix in a bowl using a fork.

5. In a large bowl combine together your lentils and veggies.

6. Serve with a generous drizzle of your dressing, slices of avocado, handful of greens, pickled cabbage (or kimchi) or sprinkle with nuts and seeds.