Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy, flavorful, and easy meal that won't keep you chained to the stove all evening? Then look no further! This shrimp and lentil recipe is your answer. It's bursting with fresh flavors, packed with protein and fiber, and ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious and nutritious dinner on the table fast. This recipe showcases the best of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, all while being incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the lentils and broth: Pour in the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
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Cook the shrimp: Once the lentils are almost cooked, add the shrimp to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
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Stir in the parsley and season: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Serve: Serve the shrimp and lentils hot, garnished with a lemon wedge. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Shrimp and Lentils:
- Don't overcook the lentils: Overcooked lentils can become mushy. Aim for tender but still slightly firm.
- Use high-quality shrimp: The flavor of the shrimp will greatly impact the overall dish. Opt for fresh, wild-caught shrimp whenever possible.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit them altogether.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as chopped carrots, celery, or zucchini. Add them along with the onions.
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp and Lentils: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Lemon-Herb Shrimp and Lentils: Add the zest of one lemon along with the garlic and increase the amount of fresh herbs.
- Coconut Shrimp and Lentils: Stir in a can of coconut milk for a creamy and flavorful twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe is a great example of delicious dishes that are also good for you. The nutritional information will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate per serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fiber: Approximately 15-20g
This shrimp and lentil recipe is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest: easy, healthy, flavorful, and satisfying. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and a testament to the versatility of lentils in creating truly delicious and nutritious meals. Enjoy this simple yet elegant dish!