Savory Lentil Breakfast Bowl (Print-Friendly Format)

Hearty lentil bowl with sautéed spinach, jammy egg, and avocado. A vibrant, filling start to your morning.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Savory Lentil Base

01 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
05 - 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
06 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
07 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Toppings (per bowl)

10 - 1 to 2 large eggs
11 - 2 cups fresh spinach
12 - 0.5 avocado, sliced or mashed
13 - 1 tablespoon crumbled feta cheese (optional)
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
15 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat a medium saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add finely chopped onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, ensuring it does not brown.
02 - Stir in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, and ground cumin, toasting the spices for about 30 seconds to release their flavors. Add rinsed lentils and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until lentils are coated and lightly toasted.
03 - Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender but retain some bite. Remove from heat and season generously with salt and black pepper.
04 - While lentils are cooking, prepare the toppings. For the eggs: poach, soft boil, or fry until the yolks remain runny. For the spinach: heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add fresh spinach and a pinch of salt, and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Squeeze out any excess moisture.
05 - Spoon a generous portion of warm lentils into each bowl. Create a well in the center for the sautéed spinach. Top with the cooked egg and arrange avocado alongside. Sprinkle with crumbled feta, fresh herbs, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Add salt to the lentils after cooking to ensure a tender texture and avoid toughness.