Creamy Sundried Tomato Lentils

This creamy lentil dish earned its charming name for good reason - it's so irresistibly delicious that serving it might just prompt a marriage proposal! Rich with sundried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and finished with cream and cheese, these lentils create a luxurious meal that's both comforting and impressive enough for special occasions.

I first made this dish for a dinner date at home, wanting something special without spending all evening in the kitchen. The moment my partner took the first bite, they declared they'd marry me for this recipe alone. Hence the name has stuck in our household ever since!

Ingredients

• Black, brown or green lentils provide the hearty base. Black lentils hold their shape best for a more elegant presentation
• Red onion adds a slightly sweeter flavor than regular onions and beautiful color contrast
• Garlic cloves bring essential aromatic depth. Fresh is non negotiable here
• Fennel seeds offer a subtle anise flavor that complements the earthiness of lentils beautifully
• Italian seasoning blend saves time while providing balanced herbs
• Smoked paprika contributes a wonderful smoky dimension without adding heat
• Sundried tomatoes plus their oil deliver concentrated umami and rich flavor
• Heavy cream transforms everything into a luscious sauce that clings to every lentil
• Parmesan cheese adds the perfect salty finish and thickening power
• Fresh basil brightens the entire dish with its aromatic qualities

How To Make Creamy Marry Me Lentils

Cook the lentils

For dried lentils, rinse them thoroughly under cold water first to remove any debris. Cook according to package directions or use the Instant Pot method for perfect texture every time. The lentils should be tender but still hold their shape. Overcooked lentils will turn mushy and ruin the elegant texture of the final dish.

Create the flavor base

Heat a few tablespoons of sundried tomato oil in a large deep skillet over medium low heat. Add the diced red onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent but not browned. Add the crushed garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. The gentle heat extracts maximum flavor without any bitterness.

Bloom the spices

Add the crushed fennel seeds to the pan and stir for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Quickly add more sundried tomato oil along with the smoked paprika and Italian herbs. Stir continuously for another 30 seconds. This blooming process releases the essential oils in the spices, dramatically enhancing their flavor contribution to the final dish.

Build the sauce foundation

Add the tomato paste and chopped sundried tomatoes to the aromatics and spices. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently until everything forms a thick fragrant paste. The tomato paste should darken slightly as it caramelizes, developing deeper flavor compounds.

Combine with lentils

Add your drained and rinsed lentils to the sauce base, stirring to coat each lentil with the flavorful mixture. This step ensures even distribution of flavor throughout the dish rather than having pockets of intensity.

Simmer to marry flavors

Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 8 minutes, then uncover for the final 2 minutes. The sauce will begin to thicken as the lentils absorb some of the flavorful liquid and release some of their starch.

Create the creamy finish

Reduce heat to very low before stirring in the heavy cream, grated cheese, and chopped basil. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely into the sauce. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes off heat, allowing the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency.

The sundried tomato oil is my secret weapon in this recipe. Most people discard it after using the tomatoes, but it contains incredible concentrated flavor that elevates every element in this dish. I discovered this accidentally when I was out of olive oil one evening and needed to improvise. Now I sometimes buy jars of sundried tomatoes just to have this flavorful oil on hand!

Perfect Pairings

These creamy lentils pair beautifully with crusty bread for scooping up the rich sauce. For a complete dinner, serve over al dente pasta, particularly pappardelle or fettuccine, where the wide noodles provide the perfect canvas for the creamy lentils. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a bright counterpoint to the richness of the dish.

Storage Instructions

These lentils store exceptionally well, with flavors actually improving overnight as they meld together. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or stock as the sauce thickens considerably once chilled. If freezing, portion into individual containers without the fresh basil, then add freshly chopped basil when serving after thawing and reheating.

Make It Your Own

While black lentils create the most dramatic presentation against the creamy sauce, any variety works beautifully here. For a dairy free version, substitute full fat coconut cream and nutritional yeast for the heavy cream and cheese. The sundried tomatoes provide such robust flavor that the dish remains satisfying even without dairy. Add a handful of baby spinach or kale in the final minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.

The Story Behind The Name

This recipe got its playful name from its reputation for being so delicious that serving it might just inspire a marriage proposal! While I cannot guarantee matrimony will follow, I can promise these lentils have helped many home cooks impress dinner guests. The combination of creamy texture, complex flavors from the sundried tomatoes and herbs, and the beautiful presentation makes this dish particularly memorable. It strikes the perfect balance between seeming fancy while actually being quite straightforward to prepare.

Recipe FAQs

→ Which type of lentils work best for this dish?

Black lentils are recommended for their luxurious texture and ability to hold their shape, but puy lentils, brown lentils, or green lentils will also work well. The recipe is flexible and accommodates both dried lentils (cooked separately) or canned lentils (drained and rinsed).

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

The dish is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream or a plant-based cooking cream, and replace the parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free hard cheese alternative.

→ Why is it called 'Marry Me' lentils?

The name comes from the viral 'Marry Me' pasta sauce phenomenon, where the sauce is so delicious it could supposedly inspire a marriage proposal. This adaptation applies that same rich, creamy sundried tomato sauce to lentils instead of pasta.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! These lentils actually taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

→ Why is rinsing the cooked lentils important?

Rinsing the cooked lentils until the water runs clear is crucial to prevent the dark cooking water from muddying the color and appearance of the final creamy sauce. This step ensures your dish looks as appetizing as it tastes.

→ What can I serve with these lentils?

These creamy lentils are versatile and can be served with crusty bread for dipping, over fluffy rice, as a topping for baked sweet potatoes, alongside roasted vegetables, or even as a side dish to grilled protein. Don't forget the lemon wedges for squeezing over the top!