Savory Turmeric Lentil Breakfast Bowl (Printable Version)
Protein-packed spiced lentils with sautéed greens, fresh herbs, and creamy avocado—a wholesome morning meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Lentils
01 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
→ Greens
07 - 2 cups baby spinach or kale, washed
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
10 - Pinch of salt and black pepper
→ Toppings
11 - 2 large eggs, optional
12 - 1/2 ripe avocado, sliced
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
14 - 1 tablespoon toasted pumpkin seeds
15 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How To Make:
01 - Combine rinsed lentils, water, turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook 18–20 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach or kale, season with salt and pepper, and sauté 2–3 minutes until wilted.
03 - If using eggs, prepare to your liking—poached or soft-boiled work best for this dish.
04 - Divide cooked lentils between two bowls. Top with sautéed greens, sliced avocado, eggs if using, chopped herbs, and toasted pumpkin seeds. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of protein and fiber keeps you full until lunch without that heavy breakfast crash
- Earthy turmeric and smoky paprika transform ordinary lentils into something that feels like a hug in a bowl
02 -
- Lentils continue absorbing liquid even after cooking, so if you are meal-prepping this, slightly undercook them and store the lentils separately from the toppings
- The turmeric will stain everything it touches, including your favorite wooden spoon and light-colored countertops
03 -
- Rinse your lentils thoroughly and pick through them for small stones or debris before cooking
- Toasting the pumpkin seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes beforehand makes them exponentially more flavorful