Black “Caviar” Lentils Tumbled Over Creamy Yogurt with Mint

These Black “Caviar” Lentils Tumbled Over Creamy Yogurt with Mint are a visual sensation. Black lentils are aptly nicknamed “beluga caviar,” given their look. We’ve paired them with a hint of Middle Eastern flavors and served them on a bed of lemony thick yogurt. The result is a dish that’s delicious served as an appetizer or as a side dish to seafood or chicken.

Beluga lentils can be substituted with green or brown lentils if you wish. For added eye appeal, sprinkle with diced red pepper or tomato before serving.

Vegetarian; includes gluten-free option

Black “Caviar” Lentils Tumbled Over Creamy Yogurt with Mint

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Servings

2 cups

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Ingredients

• dried black beluga lentils
• extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• strips lemon peel, about 1/2 x 2 inches each, divided
• large garlic cloves, peeled and shaved
• cumin seeds
• fresh thyme sprigs or 1/2 tsp dried
• fresh oregano sprigs or 1/2 tsp dried
• low-sodium vegetable broth, gluten free if desired
• full-fat plain Greek yogurt
• kosher salt
• Fresh mint leaves
• crushed red pepper flakes
• Generous pinches flaked sea salt optional
• freshly ground black pepper optional

Ingredients dried black beluga lentils extra-virgin olive oil, divided strips lemon peel, about 1/2 x 2 inches each, divided large garlic cloves, peeled and shaved cumin seeds fresh thyme sprigs or 1/2 tsp dried fresh oregano sprigs or 1/2 tsp dried low-sodium vegetable broth, gluten free if desired full-fat plain Greek yogurt kosher salt Fresh mint leaves crushed red pepper flakes Generous pinches flaked sea salt optional freshly ground black pepper optional

Servings 2 cups Print Recipe

Instructions

1. In fine-mesh sieve, rinse lentils, removing any tiny stones and possible debris. In heavy saucepan, heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 strips lemon peel and garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until aromatic. Stir in lentils, cumin, thyme, and oregano and sauté for another minute to evenly coat lentils with oil. Stir in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until lentils are tender but still firm. Drain and set aside. Remove herb stems from cooked lentils and discard.
2. While lentils are cooking, place yogurt in small bowl. Very finely mince remaining strip of lemon peel. Add to yogurt along with kosher salt. Stir to blend, and then refrigerate.
3. 3. When ready to serve, smooth yogurt onto shallow platter. Scatter warm lentils over top. Drizzle with remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil. Sprinkle with fresh mint leaves and scatter with red pepper flakes, a couple pinches flaked salt, and fresh pepper (if using).

Recipe Notes

Per serving: 283 calories; 16 g protein; 8 g total fat (2 g sat. fat); 37 g total carbohydrates (6 g sugars, 16 g fiber); 274 mg sodium