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A bowl of creamy “Marry Me” lentils with a golden, velvety sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and served with crusty bread.

Creamy Marry Me Lentils Recipe – Vegan Comfort Food with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Coconut Milk

These Creamy “Marry Me” Lentils are a plant-based twist on the viral favorite—rich, savory, and irresistibly comforting. Simmered in a luscious sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, coconut milk, and herbs, these lentils are packed with flavor and protein. Perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests, this one-pot dish is vegan, gluten-free, and ready in under 30 minutes. Serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread for a satisfying, soul-warming meal that just might win hearts.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 34 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Comfort Food, Mediterranean-inspired, Vegetarian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Ladle or serving spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), chopped
  • 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • ½ cup coconut milk, heavy cream, or cashew cream
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
  • Optional: grated parmesan or vegan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent (5 min).
  • Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes until lentils are tender.
  • Stir in cream, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
  • Turn off heat. Let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs and optional cheese. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for deeper flavor.
  • Lentils should be tender but hold their shape—avoid overcooking.
  • Letting the dish rest before serving enhances flavor and texture.
  • Customize with add-ins like spinach, chickpeas, or roasted peppers.
  • Serve over rice, with crusty bread, or stuffed in sweet potatoes.
  • For vegan version, use coconut or cashew cream and plant-based cheese.
 
Keyword Comfort Food, Creamy lentils, Plant-based, sun-dried tomato sauce, vegetarian dinner, Weeknight Meal