Ingredients
Mediterranean Braised Lentils
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground fennel
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 cup green lentils
- ½ cup red wine
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- salt and pepper, to taste
Black Pepper Yogurt
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
Blistered Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- salt and pepper, to taste
Sizzled Greens
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- juice of ½ lime
Remaining Ingredients
- 4 poached eggs
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium saucepot over medium-high heat. Add the diced red onion and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, smoked paprika, ground fennel, and oregano until fragrant.
- Add Lentils and Red Wine: Add the green lentils to the pot and stir to coat with the spices. Pour in the red wine and bring to a simmer, cooking until nearly all the wine has evaporated for about 3-4 minutes.
- Braise the Lentils: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Black Pepper Yogurt: While lentils cook, mix Greek yogurt with freshly cracked black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside for serving.
- Blister Cherry Tomatoes: In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook without stirring until they blister and soften, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and remove from heat.
- Sizzle the Herbs: In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add fresh dill and parsley and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Remove from heat and stir in the juice of half a lime.
- Poach the Eggs: Poach the eggs to your desired doneness using your preferred method.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a layer of black pepper yogurt on serving plates. Top with braised lentils, blistered cherry tomatoes, poached eggs, and drizzle with the sizzled herb oil. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The braised lentils, blistered tomatoes, black pepper yogurt, and sizzled herbs can be prepared up to 3 days in advance.
- Reheat the lentils gently before serving and add poached eggs freshly to maintain their creamy texture.
- Adjust black pepper in the yogurt based on your preference for spice.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
