All Recipes - Warm Lentils and Greens with Lemon-Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Warm Lentils and Greens with Lemon-Garlic Yogurt Sauce



If you’re craving something comforting, nutrient-packed, and simple enough for a weeknight dinner, this warm lentil and kale dish is just the thing. Earthy lentils simmered in savory broth meet fragrant garlic, tender greens, and bright citrus in a satisfying one-pan meal. It’s finished with a tangy lemon-garlic yogurt sauce that adds just the right creamy contrast. Whether you’re eating for brain health, gut health, or just craving something cozy and wholesome, this dish brings all the flavor with none of the fuss.

Warm Lentils and Greens with Lemon-Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 cup lentils, dried
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups kale, destemmed and finely
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • pepper, to taste
  • lemon juice, from half a lemon
  • lemon zest, from half a lemon
  • 1/4 cup parsley, fresh

Lemon-Garlic Yogurt Sauce

  • 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 tsp garlic
  • 1/2 tsp maple syrup
  • pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine lentils and vegetable broth.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, simmer uncovered for about 20–25 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Drain any remaining liquid if necessary, and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  4. Sauté onions and garlic for 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
  5. Stir in leafy greens, cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook until greens are wilted (about 3–5 minutes).
  6. Gently mix cooked lentils into the sautéed greens. Stir in lemon juice and zest, and warm together briefly (1–2 minutes).
  7. In a small bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, maple syrup and black pepper until smooth.
  8. Serve lentils and greens warm, topped with a dollop of lemon-garlic yogurt sauce and sprinkled generously with fresh parsley or dill.


Published: Apr 02, 2025