If you’re looking for a flavorful, nutritious, and incredibly versatile spread to elevate your meals, look no further than this Spicy Red Lentil Spread. It’s rich in protein, bursting with flavor, and perfect for slathering on toast, spreading on wraps, or even as a dip for your favorite veggies. The combination of red lentils, spices, and a hint of sriracha creates a delightful taste experience that will surely impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into why this recipe stands out and how you can whip it up in no time!
Why This Spicy Red Lentil Spread Stands Out
This Spicy Red Lentil Spread isn’t just your average dip. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients that not only offer a burst of flavor but also provide essential nutrients. Red lentils are high in protein and fiber, making this spread not only delicious but also filling. The addition of sriracha adds a delightful heat that can be adjusted to your liking, while the marinated sauce brings in a touch of acidity and richness. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, having a cozy night in, or simply want to spice up your lunch, this spread is a must-try.
What You’ll Need
To create this Spicy Red Lentil Spread, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils
- ½ cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, small dice
- ½ cup marinara sauce (I use Rao’s)
- 3 tablespoons sriracha, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 4 hearty stems of parsley, leaves finely sliced
- Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Tools & Equipment Needed
To make your cooking experience smoother, you’ll need the following tools:
- Medium pot: For boiling the lentils.
- Skillet: For sautéing the onion.
- Mixing bowl: To combine all ingredients.
- Food processor or blender: For smooth consistency.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping vegetables.
Mastering Spicy Red Lentil Spread: How-To
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Spicy Red Lentil Spread.
Step 1: Cook the Lentils
Start by rinsing the red lentils under cold water. In a medium pot, combine the lentils with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Drain any excess water and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a wonderful base flavor for your spread.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed onion, marinara sauce, sriracha, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, green onions, and parsley. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Blend for Smoothness
Transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth, adding a splash of water if the mixture is too thick. Taste and adjust the seasoning with sea salt and black pepper as needed. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add more sriracha!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your Spicy Red Lentil Spread to a serving dish. Garnish with additional green onions and parsley if desired. Enjoy it spread on crusty bread, as a dip with veggies, or as a flavorful wrap filling.
Holiday & Seasonal Touches
This Spicy Red Lentil Spread can be customized for various seasons and occasions. Here are some ideas:
- Add roasted red peppers for a sweet, smoky flavor during summer.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like basil for a fresh taste in spring.
- Serve with seasonal vegetables like carrots and bell peppers for a vibrant presentation in the fall.
- For a holiday twist, mix in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for added richness.
Common Errors (and Fixes)
Even seasoned cooks can make mistakes! Here are some common errors and how to fix them:
- If the spread is too thick, add a little water or olive oil to achieve your desired consistency.
- For an overly spicy spread, add more lentils or a dollop of yogurt to mellow the heat.
- If it tastes bland, adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sriracha.
- Overcooked lentils can become mushy; aim for tender but not falling apart. Keep an eye on them while cooking.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
To keep your Spicy Red Lentil Spread fresh and delicious, consider the following tips:
- Store leftover spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the spread in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Ask & Learn
Can I use other types of lentils?
Yes, while red lentils are recommended for their quick cooking time and smooth texture, you can use other lentils, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I serve with this spread?
This spread is incredibly versatile! Serve it with pita chips, fresh veggies, on sandwiches, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Can I make this spread in advance?
Absolutely! This Spicy Red Lentil Spread tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld, so feel free to make it a day ahead of your event.
Is this spread suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This spread is perfect for meal prep. Portion it out into individual servings for an easy lunch option throughout the week.
Looking to dive deeper into the world of cooking? Here are some great weekend projects to consider:
That’s a Wrap
In conclusion, this Spicy Red Lentil Spread is not just a simple recipe; it’s a delicious way to enrich your meals with flavor and nutrition. The combination of spices, lentils, and fresh herbs creates a spread that is perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to elegant entertaining. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delightful culinary adventure!
This Spicy Red Lentil Spread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, providing a healthy, tasty option that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
Spicy Red Lentil Spread
Equipment
- Medium pot
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Food processor or blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- ½ cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion small dice
- ½ cup marinara sauce I use Rao's
- 3 tablespoons sriracha or to taste
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 green onions finely sliced
- 4 stems parsley leaves finely sliced
- sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the red lentils under cold water. In a medium pot, combine the lentils with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender. Drain any excess water and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked lentils, sautéed onion, marinara sauce, sriracha, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, green onions, and parsley. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth, adding a splash of water if too thick. Adjust seasoning with sea salt, black pepper, and more sriracha if desired.
- Transfer the spread to a serving dish. Garnish with additional green onions and parsley if desired. Serve on bread, as a dip, or in wraps. Enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust sriracha to control the heat level to your preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Add a splash of water or olive oil to thin the spread if it becomes too thick.
