Roasted Lemon Garlic Lentil Skillet

Name: Roasted Lemon Garlic Lentil Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed; 3 cups vegetable broth or water; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large lemon, zested and juiced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

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I absolutely love how easy it is to create rich flavors in the kitchen with just a few simple ingredients. This Roasted Lemon Garlic Lentil Skillet combines earthy lentils with vibrant lemon and aromatic garlic, creating a dish that's not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option for the week, this recipe has you covered. Plus, the roasted vegetables add a fantastic depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. Let's dive in!

Created by

India Rutherford

Last updated on 2026-01-21T18:22:37.009Z

When I first tried making lentils in a skillet, I was delighted by how versatile they are. I quickly learned that roasting garlic and lemon alongside them enhances their natural flavors beautifully. The result is a dish where each ingredient shines, creating a perfect balance of zest and heartiness.

In my kitchen experiments, I discovered that adding a touch of olive oil before roasting can amplify the flavors even more. This little extra step helps to caramelize the garlic and lemon, turning them into fragrant, golden bites that elevate every scoop of lentils!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Zesty lemon that brightens the dish and enhances the lentils
Garlic's aromatic richness perfectly complements the other flavors
Packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice

      

The Role of Lentils in Your Dish

Lentils are the star ingredient in this recipe, providing a hearty base that’s not only satisfying but also nutritious. They are rich in protein and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full for longer. When cooking the lentils, it's essential to simmer them gently. A rapid boil may cause them to break apart and become mushy. A simmer at medium-low heat for around 20 minutes will yield perfectly tender lentils with a nice bite, enhancing the dish's overall texture.

Using green or brown lentils adds an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the zesty lemon and aromatic garlic. If you want to experiment with different types, red lentils can work too, but they’ll cook faster and create a softer texture, which may alter the overall feel of the dish. Adjust your cooking time accordingly if you choose red lentils, as they typically need only about 15 minutes to become tender.

The Art of Roasting Vegetables

Roasting the vegetables at 400°F (200°C) is key to achieving the right caramelization that brings out their natural sweetness. The vegetables should be tossed until well-coated and spread evenly on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than roasting, so give them space. Aim for a roast of about 15 minutes, checking halfway through; look for golden edges and a fragrant aroma as indicators of readiness.

Don't hesitate to mix and match your vegetables. While the recipe calls for bell peppers and cherry tomatoes, zucchini or eggplant could also lend a nice texture and flavor twist. Feel free to add your favorites or whatever you have on hand. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even roasting, and remember that cooking times might vary with different vegetables; keep an eye on them!

Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions

Once everything is combined in the skillet, giving it an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking is essential for marrying the flavors. The lemon juice not only adds brightness but also helps to deglaze the pan, picking up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. A light toss is all that's needed; you want the dish to remain vibrant and fresh, not overcooked.

For serving, I recommend garnishing with fresh parsley, which not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's brightness. This skillet can be enjoyed on its own or served over a bed of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. Meal prep is easy with this dish. It stores well in the fridge for up to four days and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to start preparing your Roasted Lemon Garlic Lentil Skillet:

Ingredients

1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
3 cups vegetable broth or water
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large lemon, zested and juiced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

With all your ingredients ready, it's time to cook!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Roasted Lemon Garlic Lentil Skillet:

Cook the Lentils

In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.

Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly caramelized and fragrant.

Combine and Serve

In a large skillet, combine the cooked lentils with the roasted vegetables. Squeeze in the lemon juice and toss everything together. Allow to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your delicious Roasted Lemon Garlic Lentil Skillet!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when roasting the vegetables, or serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store your Roasted Lemon Garlic Lentil Skillet, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, I suggest doing so on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, and you'll be rewarded with a dish that tastes just as fresh as the day it was made.

If you decide to freeze it, consider portioning it into individual servings before freezing. This makes defrosting and reheating simple, and you can easily grab a meal on busy days. Just remember to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, ensuring even warming and maintaining the best texture.

Customizing Your Lentil Skillet

Customization is one of the best aspects of this Roasted Lemon Garlic Lentil Skillet. If you’re looking for a heat boost, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the roasting stage can elevate the dish beautifully. For a creamier texture, try stirring in a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese right before serving. These additions can complement the dish's flavor profile, adding layers of richness.

Herbs and spices can also be adjusted based on your preference. A sprinkle of cumin or smoked paprika can introduce a smoky element, while fresh herbs like thyme or basil can offer new dimensions to the flavor. Experiment with your favorite seasonings to make this dish uniquely yours, ensuring it's always exciting to revisit.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned lentils for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned lentils to save time. Just rinse and drain them, and add them with the roasted vegetables without needing to cook them separately.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be reheated easily, making it perfect for meal prep.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Certainly! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or carrots. Just adjust the roasting time accordingly.

→ How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add spices or chili flakes to suit your heat preference.