Creamy Lentils with Kale Artichoke Saute

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: May. 26, 2022
I've been trying to eat more meatless meals, so I experimented with this hearty saute and served it over brown rice. It was so good that even those who aren't big fans of kale gobbled it up. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Creamy Lentils with Kale Artichoke Saute Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup dried red lentils, rinsed and sorted
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1-1/4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or grapeseed oil
  • 16 cups chopped fresh kale (about 12 ounces)
  • 1 can (14 ounces) water-packed artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
  • 2 cups hot cooked brown or basmati rice

Directions

  1. Place first 4 ingredients and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until lentils are tender and liquid is almost absorbed, 12-15 minutes. Remove from heat.
  2. In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat oil over medium heat. Add kale and remaining salt; cook, covered, until kale is wilted, 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add artichoke hearts, garlic and Italian seasoning; cook and stir 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cheese.
  3. Serve lentils and kale mixture over rice.

Test Kitchen tips
  • Lentils don’t require soaking, but they should be rinsed and sifted through to look for stones before cooking.
  • Of all varieties, red lentils cook the fastest. Mainly because they’re split during processing.
  • Since they’re split, red red lentils break down while cooking and don’t hold their shape like brown lentils. The lentil mixture becomes almost like a sauce in this dish.
  • Nutrition Facts

    1 serving: 321 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 661mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein.