Description
This One Pot Mexican Lentils recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender lentils, sweet potatoes, black beans, and spices, all cooked together in a single skillet for a convenient and nutritious meal. Enhanced with melted cheddar cheese, it offers a comforting blend of textures and rich Mexican-inspired flavors perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
- 1 cup (165g) diced sweet potatoes (1/2 inch pieces)
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Legumes and Vegetables
- 1 cup (195g) brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added black beans
- 1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups broth of choice
- Cheddar cheese (amount to your liking)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced sweet potatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the onion is translucent and the sweet potatoes have softened.
- Add spices: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and tomato paste. If using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic, add it now. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and the tomato paste to incorporate fully.
- Add remaining ingredients and simmer: Add the rinsed brown lentils, canned black beans (with liquid drained), diced tomatoes (with juices), frozen corn, and 2 cups of broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
- Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the cooked lentil mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid again and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese has melted completely. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder if preferred; add garlic powder with the spices.
- Use no-salt-added canned beans and tomatoes to control the sodium content.
- Adjust the amount of cheddar cheese according to your preference or omit for a dairy-free version.
- Serve with a side of rice, tortillas, or enjoy on its own as a filling meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Mexican lentils, one pot meal, vegetarian lentils, healthy lentil recipe, Mexican cooking, sweet potatoes, black beans, easy dinner
