🍤 Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes & Spinach
🥣 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
🌾 Main Ingredients
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1 cup brown or green lentils (rinsed and drained)
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes or 2 fresh tomatoes
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4 cups vegetable broth or water
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 bay leaf
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½ tsp cumin (optional)
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Salt & pepper to taste
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1 tbsp red wine vinegar (for finishing)
👩🍳 Instructions
✅ Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add onion, carrots, and celery.
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Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring, until softened.
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Add garlic and cook another 1 minute until fragrant.
✅ Step 2: Add Lentils & Tomatoes
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Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, oregano, bay leaf, and cumin.
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Add broth (or water) and bring to a boil.
✅ Step 3: Simmer
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Reduce heat to low and cover partially.
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Simmer gently for 30–40 minutes, until lentils are tender.
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Stir occasionally and add a little water if it thickens too much.
✅ Step 4: Finish
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Remove bay leaf.
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Add salt, pepper, and red wine vinegar.
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Drizzle with olive oil before serving for rich flavor.
✅ Step 5: Serve
Serve hot with:
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🥖 Whole-grain or sourdough bread
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🥗 A simple side salad
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🍋 A squeeze of lemon juice
💚 Health & Nutrition Benefits
| Ingredient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Lentils | High in protein, fiber, and iron — excellent for heart and gut health. |
| Olive oil | Supports healthy cholesterol levels and brain function. |
| Vegetables | Provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. |
| Garlic & onions | Strengthen the immune system and improve digestion. |
| Tomatoes | Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. |
✅ Healthy Tips
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🌿 Add spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes for extra nutrients.
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🍋 A splash of lemon juice or vinegar brightens the flavor and aids digestion.
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🧊 Keeps well — refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for 1 month.
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🍲 Great meal-prep dish — flavors deepen overnight!












