Hungarian Lentils

Warm, hearty, and packed with bold flavors, Hungarian Lentils is a comforting one-pot dish that brings traditional Eastern European flair to your table. This nutritious recipe combines tender green or brown lentils with a medley of sautéed vegetables, aromatic smoked paprika, and a subtle tang from red wine vinegar for a perfect balance of earthy and savory notes. Simmered to perfection with bay leaves, this easy-to-make, plant-based meal is rich in protein and ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prep. Ready in under an hour and garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish, Hungarian Lentils are as versatile as they are satisfying. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for a simple yet flavorful dish, this recipe is sure to please!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 4 cups water
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 medium, diced carrot
• 1 diced celery stalk
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 whole bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish) flat-leaf parsley

Directions

Step 1

Thoroughly rinse the lentils under cold water and set them aside.

Step 2

In a medium pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened but not browned.

Step 4

Stir in the smoked paprika and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.

Step 5

Add the lentils to the pot and stir to coat them in the paprika and vegetable mixture.

Step 6

Pour in the water and add the bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 7

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaves from the pot.

Step 9

Stir in the salt, black pepper, and red wine vinegar. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 10

Serve the lentils warm, optionally garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1496.4 grams (1496.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	595

Total Fat 28.40g	36%
Saturated Fat 4.10g	21%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.80g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2476mg	108%
Total Carbohydrate 69.80g	25%
Dietary Fiber 23.50g	84%
Total Sugars 14.10g
Protein 22.70g	45%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 225mg	17%
Iron 10mg	54%
Potassium 1511mg	32%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.9%

Protein: 14.5%

Carbs: 44.6%