Mistaken Lentil Dip

Elevate your appetizer game with this rich and creamy Mistaken Lentil Dip—a delightful twist on classic hummus that swaps chickpeas for tender red lentils. Bursting with flavor, this vegan and gluten-free recipe combines earthy lentils, nutty tahini, zesty lemon juice, and aromatic spices like smoked paprika and cumin for a smoky, savory kick. The smooth, velvety texture comes together effortlessly in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for quick gatherings or meal prep. Serve it as a dip with pita and fresh veggies or use it as a protein-packed spread for sandwiches. Garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil, this wholesome dip is as versatile as it is delicious, and it’s sure to become a crowd favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry red lentils
• 3 cups water
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon optional parsley (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon optional drizzle of olive oil (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dry red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the lentils, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until the lentils are soft but not mushy.

Step 3

Drain the cooked lentils and let them cool for 5 minutes.

Step 4

In a food processor, combine the cooked lentils, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic cloves (peeled), smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5

Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. If the dip is too thick, you can add a small amount of water (1 tablespoon at a time) to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more lemon juice for tanginess, salt for flavor, or smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.

Step 7

Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

Step 8

Serve with pita bread, veggie sticks, or as a spread on sandwiches. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1069.7 grams (1069.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1542

Total Fat 85.00g	109%
Saturated Fat 13.20g	66%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2451mg	107%
Total Carbohydrate 139.60g	51%
Dietary Fiber 27.90g	100%
Total Sugars 5.10g
Protein 62.60g	125%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3658mg	281%
Iron 16089mg	89386%
Potassium 2257mg	48%

*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: 48.6%

Protein: 15.9%

Carbs: 35.5%