A healthy and delicious meal that’s easy to make. It’s made with steamed lentils, sauteed veggies, toasted pine nuts, and fresh spinach, all tossed in a simple olive oil and garlic dressing. It’s served with a creamy and refreshing tzatziki yogurt, made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and dill. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors and nutrition of the Mediterranean diet, with plant-based protein, fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants.

This recipe uses pre-made steamed lentils from Trader Joe’s, which are a convenient and time-saving option. You can also use organic canned lentils, or cook your own dried lentils if you prefer. The tzatziki yogurt is a quick 3-ingredient version, but you can also add some olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and salt for more flavor. Feel free to play around with the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste. This Mediterranean lentil dish with homemade tzatziki yogurt is a satisfying and tasty meal that you can enjoy any day of the week.

Ingredients

For this Mediterranean lentil dish, you’ll need:

• 1 package of Trader Joe’s steamed lentils (or 2 cups of cooked or canned lentils)
• 2 tbs of olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• salt, to taste
• Diced carrots
• One cup of diced celery
• 1 cup of diced onion
• 1/4 cup of pine nuts
• 4 cups of baby spinach

For the homemade tzatziki yogurt, you’ll need:

• One cup of plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 large cucumber, diced
• 1 heaping tsp of dried or fresh dill

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the pine nuts in an even layer and bake for 10 minutes, tossing every 3-4 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and add the garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook for about a minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the carrots, celery, and onion and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and tender.
4. Add the lentils and toss to combine with the veggies and the oil. Cook for another 10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly softened. You can cook them longer if you prefer softer lentils.
5. In a small bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, cucumber, and dill. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
6. To serve, divide the spinach among four plates or bowls and top with the lentil mixture and the pine nuts. Spoon some tzatziki yogurt over each serving and enjoy your Mediterranean lentil dish with homemade tzatziki yogurt!

Tips and Variations

• Any veggies you like instead of carrots, celery, and onion, such as zucchini, bell pepper, or mushroom.
• You can use any nuts you like instead of pine nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pistachios.
• Use any greens you like instead of spinach, such as kale, arugula, or lettuce.
• Some lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt to the tzatziki yogurt for more flavor and tanginess.
• Add some feta cheese, olives, or fresh herbs to the lentil dish for more Mediterranean flair.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Lentil Dish

• A healthy and delicious meal that’s easy to make with simple ingredients.
• Plant-based and gluten-free meal that’s high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
• Flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner, or as a side dish.
• Versatile and customizable meal that you can adapt to your taste and preferences.
• It’s a great way to enjoy the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, which is linked to lower risk of chronic diseases and better overall health.

I hope you enjoy this Mediterranean lentil dish with homemade tzatziki yogurt as much as I do. It’s one of my favorite meals to make, and it always fills me up and makes me happy. Let me know what you think in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family. Happy Friday! 😊