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Wholesome Anti-Inflammatory Mediterranean Lentil Bowl

Mediterranean lentil bowl - featured image

A quick and easy Mediterranean lentil bowl packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, garlic, and olive oil, delivering a wholesome, comforting, and vibrant meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 3 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cucumber, diced
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley and mint leaves, chopped (about ¼ cup each)

Instructions

  1. Place 1 cup of rinsed lentils and 3 cups of water or vegetable broth into a medium saucepan. Add the bay leaf if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid and discard the bay leaf.
  2. While the lentils cook, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, ground turmeric, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. If desired, toast the turmeric and mustard in olive oil for 1 minute before whisking for a smoky note.
  3. Dice the cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, roughly chop parsley and mint, and pit and halve the olives.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked lentils, veggies, olives, and herbs. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Crumble feta on top if using.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon juice. Let the bowl rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately.

Notes

Toast turmeric and mustard in olive oil for 1 minute before whisking dressing for added smoky flavor. Use fresh lemon juice for best taste. Avoid overcooking lentils to maintain texture. Add feta just before serving to keep chunks distinct. Can substitute canned lentils to save time but texture will be softer.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean lentil bowl, anti-inflammatory recipe, healthy lentil bowl, easy lentil recipe, vegan lentil bowl, gluten-free lentil bowl