Ethiopian-Inspired Lentil and Collard Greens Sauté
A vibrant vegan dish combining protein-rich lentils with tender collard greens and bold Ethiopian spices for a hearty side or main. This Ethiopian-inspired vegan recipe (gluten free), ready in about 50 minutes, pairs dry brown lentils, water, collard greens for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry brown lentils
- 3 cups water
- 6 cups chopped collard greens
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, thinly sliced yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp berbere spice blend
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dry brown lentils and place them in a medium saucepan with 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tsp berbere spice blend, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 6 cups chopped collard greens and 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until greens are wilted and tender.
- Step 5: Add cooked lentils back into the skillet with the greens. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Stir well and cook uncovered for another 3 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and serve warm as a nutritious vegan entrée or side.









