Turmeric Lentil Swiss Chard Bowl (Printable Version)

Spiced turmeric lentils paired with sautéed Swiss chard, topped with egg and avocado for a nourishing morning meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Spiced Lentils

01 - 1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Sautéed Swiss Chard

07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 bunch Swiss chard, stems removed, leaves chopped
11 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
12 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Toppings

13 - 2 large eggs (optional, for added protein)
14 - 1/2 avocado, sliced
15 - 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or plant-based alternative
16 - Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
17 - Lemon wedges

# How To Make:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils, water, salt, turmeric, cumin, and black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Add additional water as needed during cooking to prevent sticking.
02 - While the lentils cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
03 - Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
04 - Add the chopped Swiss chard and chili flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the leaves are wilted and tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - In a separate small pan, cook the eggs to your preference — fried or poached both work beautifully for this bowl.
06 - Divide the cooked lentils evenly between two serving bowls. Arrange the sautéed Swiss chard alongside or over the lentils. Top each bowl with an egg and avocado slices. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve with a lemon wedge on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The turmeric turns everything a gorgeous gold and makes your kitchen smell like a spice market at dawn.
  • It comes together with one saucepan and one skillet, which means cleanup is almost nothing.
  • Lentils and eggs together keep you full well past noon without weighing you down.
  • It works just as well for a lazy weekend brunch as it does for a Tuesday you forgot to plan for.
02 -
  • Do not leave the lentils unattended near the end of cooking because they go from perfectly tender to mush in minutes.
  • Turmeric will stain your wooden spoon, your countertop, and your favorite shirt, so act accordingly.
  • The chard reduces to almost nothing in the pan, so start with more than you think you need.
03 -
  • Rinse the lentils until the water runs completely clear because any debris or dust will cloud the final flavor.
  • Let the lentils rest off the heat for two minutes before serving so they firm up slightly and hold their shape in the bowl.

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