Smoky Lentil Veggie Skillet

Name: Smoky Lentil Veggie Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making my Smoky Lentil Veggie Skillet when I'm craving something hearty yet healthy. The combination of lentils with vibrant veggies creates a colorful dish packed with flavor. One of my favorite aspects is how the smoked paprika lends a deep, smoky flavor that elevates the entire meal. It's quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family enjoys. With a touch of lemon juice to brighten it, trust me, this skillet dish will become a staple in your home too!

Created by

Amelia Grant

Last updated on 2026-01-18T02:19:14.630Z

When I first came up with the Smoky Lentil Veggie Skillet, I was experimenting with flavors in my kitchen. The smokiness of the paprika paired perfectly with earthy lentils, creating a satisfying meal that didn’t require a lot of time. It was a hit with my family, who often ask for it weekly!

One of my favorite cooking tips is to sauté the vegetables until they start to caramelize slightly; this enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the dish. I love serving it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, which brighten everything up and adds a pop of color!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and filling, perfect for lunch or dinner
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
Packed with nutrients from lentils and colorful veggies

      

The Importance of Lentils

Lentils are not only a fantastic source of plant-based protein but also come packed with essential nutrients like fiber, iron, and folate. When cooking them, ensure you rinse them under cold water to remove any debris, which enhances their overall flavor. I usually select green or brown lentils for this recipe because they hold their shape beautifully during cooking, contributing to a pleasing texture that contrasts with the sautéed vegetables.

If you're in a hurry or don’t have access to dried lentils, feel free to use canned lentils instead. Just be sure to rinse and drain them well before incorporating them into the skillet. Using canned lentils can cut down your cooking time significantly, making the dish even quicker on those busy weeknights!

Veggie Variations

While this recipe calls for zucchini, bell pepper, and carrot, you can easily swap in other vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand. For instance, adding spinach or kale at the end of the cooking process will not only increase the nutritional content but also add a splash of color. This versatility allows you to adapt the recipe to your preferences or dietary needs without compromising flavor.

Another delicious variation is to include some diced sweet potatoes or peas for a different texture and sweetness. When added, ensure that you adjust the cooking time slightly, as sweet potatoes may need an extra few minutes of sautéing to become tender.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This Smoky Lentil Veggie Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheating it is simple: just warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems too dry. This dish also freezes well, so consider doubling the batch for future meals. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to three months.

For serving, I like to pair this dish with a side of crusty whole-grain bread or a mixed greens salad for a complete meal. If you want to enhance the smoky flavor even further, try adding a dollop of harissa or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top just before serving, which beautifully complements the lentils and veggies.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your Smoky Lentil Veggie Skillet:

Ingredients

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to adjust the seasoning to your liking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Smoky Lentil Veggie Skillet:

Cook the lentils

In a large pot, add the lentils and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.

Sauté vegetables

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Combine and season

Add the cooked lentils to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Finish and serve

Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Smoky Lentil Veggie Skillet!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this skillet by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to enhance the flavor even more!

Cooking Tools You'll Need

To make this Smoky Lentil Veggie Skillet, a large pot and a heavy-bottomed skillet are essential. A heavy skillet ensures even heat distribution, which is crucial for achieving that perfect sauté on the vegetables. If you have a non-stick option, it can also help to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier after cooking.

Having a good-quality knife and a cutting board will make chopping your veggies much easier. When prepping, try to cut your vegetables into uniform sizes, so they cook evenly—aim for small, bite-sized pieces to ensure quick cooking and the best texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your lentils are still firm after the suggested cooking time, they may need just a little more water and time to soften. Keep them simmering and check every few minutes, maintaining an eye on the water level. If they run out of water too soon, simply add more to continue cooking thoroughly.

Similarly, if the sautéed vegetables seem too dry while cooking, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to deglaze the pan. This not only helps in cooking the vegetables evenly but also captures the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Elevating the Flavor Profile

To amp up the flavor of this dish, consider adding a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce to the lentils and veggies during the final cooking stage. These additions can provide a savory depth that complements the smoky paprika beautifully without overpowering the base flavors.

For a bit of heat, if that's to your taste, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Balancing the smokiness with a little heat can elevate this dish from hearty comfort food to a memorable culinary experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned lentils?

Yes, you can substitute with canned lentils. Rinse and drain them before adding to the skillet.

→ How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan since it doesn't include any animal products.

→ What can I serve it with?

This dish pairs well with a side salad or over a bed of grains like quinoa or brown rice.