Savory Lemon Tahini Lentil Bowl (Printable Version)
A nourishing breakfast bowl with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables, and zesty lemon-tahini dressing for a satisfying morning meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Lentils
01 - 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
02 - 3 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Vegetables & Greens
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
06 - 1 avocado, sliced
07 - 2 cups baby spinach or arugula
08 - 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
→ Lemon Tahini Dressing
10 - 3 tablespoons tahini
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
13 - 1 tablespoon water (plus more as needed)
14 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
15 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
16 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
17 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Optional Toppings
18 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
19 - 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
# How To Make:
01 - Combine lentils and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Stir in salt. Drain any excess water and set aside.
02 - Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, water, garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Add more water, a teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
03 - While lentils cook, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the avocado, and chop the parsley and red onion.
04 - Divide spinach or arugula between two bowls. Top each with warm lentils, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado slices, red onion, and parsley.
05 - Drizzle with lemon tahini dressing. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds, if using. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The creamy tahini dressing transforms simple lentils into something luxurious
- You'll feel fueled for hours without that heavy breakfast brick in your stomach
02 -
- The tahini dressing will seize up and look curdled when you first add the lemon juice but keep whisking and it'll smooth out
- Lentil brands vary wildly in cooking time, start checking at 18 minutes and trust your teeth more than the timer
03 -
- Mix your tahini thoroughly before measuring, the solids settle at the bottom and throw off ratios
- Let the dressing sit for 10 minutes before serving to let the garlic mellow and flavors meld