HERBED LENTIL SKILLET WITH SPINACH, TOMATOES, AND RICOTTA

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Herbed Lentil Skillet with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Ricotta image

You can have this meal on the table in less time than it takes for me to run a mile. Okay, I admit I am the slowest runner I know (I am more of a jogger, really) -- but still, that is a fast dinner. The key is taking advantage of canned lentils for a tender and hearty instant protein, as well as vegetables that require very little prep -- pre-washed baby spinach and grape tomatoes. They are seasoned in the skillet with chopped shallot, fresh thyme, and balsamic vinegar, then dolloped with creamy, rich ricotta cheese that is warmed slightly in the skillet, too. A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves takes you, deliciously, to the finish line for the win. I like to serve mine with some whole-grain, sourdough toast or baguette.

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Categories     main-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup chopped shallot
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves, or 3/4 teaspoon dried
2 (15.5-ounce) cans lentils, drained and rinsed (about 3 cups)
1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
2 cups lightly packed baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
6 large fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until they have softened, about 1 minute. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Stir in the thyme, then add the lentils, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper, and stir just enough to combine. Add the tomatoes and spinach, lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and the vegetables have wilted, 5 minutes.
  • Make a well in the lentil mixture and dollop 1/4 cup of the ricotta cheese into it. Repeat with the remaining ricotta, creating separate wells. Cover and cook until the cheese is slightly warmed but not melted, 2 minutes. Sprinkle with the basil and serve.
  • Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Shujat Writes
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I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit with my family and friends. It's a great way to use up leftover lentils, and it's always delicious.


Nomi Noon
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This was a great recipe! I made it for my family and they loved it. The lentils were cooked perfectly, and the spinach, tomatoes, and herbs were all very fresh and flavorful.


Adnan Baffale abbas
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This recipe was easy to follow and the dish turned out great! The lentils were tender and flavorful, and the spinach, tomatoes, and herbs added a nice brightness to the dish. I served it with a side of whole-wheat bread, and it was a delicious and sa


Malik Qaiser awan
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This dish was a bit bland for my taste. I think I would have liked it more if I had added some more herbs and spices.


Mohammad ALHUMMADA
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I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit! The lentils are cooked perfectly, and the spinach, tomatoes, and herbs are all very fresh and flavorful. I love the contrast between the crispy shallots and the creamy ricotta cheese. I usual


Okara Rung
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This was a delicious and easy-to-make dish. The lentils were hearty and filling, and the spinach, tomatoes, and herbs added a bright and tangy flavor. I loved the contrast between the crispy shallots and the creamy ricotta cheese. I served it with a


Saeed Ahmed
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This was a great recipe! The lentils were cooked perfectly, and the spinach, tomatoes, and herbs were all very fresh and flavorful.


Sumit Sunar
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I made this dish last night and it was a big hit with my family! The lentils were cooked perfectly, and the spinach, tomatoes, and herbs were all very fresh and flavorful. I loved the contrast between the crispy shallots and the creamy ricotta cheese


EMMANUEL OKOAWO
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This dish was easy to make and turned out delicious! I used brown lentils instead of green lentils, and I added some chopped carrots and celery for extra flavor. I also used a mixture of fresh and dried herbs, and I think that really made a differenc


Md Mullick
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This was a great recipe! The lentils were cooked perfectly, and the spinach, tomatoes, and herbs were all very fresh and flavorful. I especially liked the addition of the ricotta cheese, which added a nice creaminess to the dish. I would definitely m


Harmain 4772
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The flavors in this dish were amazing! The lentils were hearty and filling, and the spinach, tomatoes, and herbs added a bright and tangy flavor. I loved the contrast between the crispy shallots and the creamy ricotta cheese. I served it with a side


H A SHEHAN PRABODHA
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This herbed lentil skillet was a delightful surprise! The lentils were cooked perfectly, and the combination of spinach, tomatoes, and herbs was flavorful and satisfying. I especially enjoyed the crispy shallots on top. I used a variety of herbs from