This hearty giada a lotta lentils feels like a hug in a bowl—it’s that good. It’s made with simple ingredients like garlic, thyme, lentils, and water, and the flavors are just incredible.

It takes 20 minutes to prepare, which gives me just enough time to set the mood with cozy vibes while it’s cooking. It’s my favorite comfort food because it’s tasty and so easy to make. I like to serve it with crusty bread—it never disappoints.

Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cups brown, French (Le Puy), or beluga lentils, rinsed
• 3 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 garlic clove, smashed and peeled
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

How To Make Giada A Lotta Lentils

1. Simmer the Lentils: In a big pot, combine the lentils, thyme, garlic, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and stir in the salt. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes; start checking for tenderness after 12 minutes.
2. Strain, Cool, and Chill: When the lentils are tender, drain them, discarding the garlic and thyme. Let them cool, then transfer them to a covered container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Recipe Tips

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cumin or coriander to give the lentils a boost of earthy flavor, complementing their nutty taste and rich texture, while harmonizing with the dish’s aromatic onions and garlic.
• Roasting For Depth: Roast the carrots and celery in the oven for 15-20 minutes before adding to the pot, bringing out their natural sweetness, tenderizing their texture, and enhancing the overall depth of flavors in the dish.
• Reducing Sodium: To minimize sodium content, use low-sodium broth and limit the amount of salt added during cooking, counterbalancing with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which adds a touch of brightness and subtlety to the lentil’s rich flavor.
• Lentil Love: Use a mix of green and brown lentils for varied texture and flavor profiles, as the green lentils retain their shape and the brown ones break apart, creating a comforting, hearty, and satisfying experience with each spoonful.
• Make It Vegan: Replace the grated Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative, such as nutritional yeast, which not only melts and stretches like cheese but also provides an umami flavor that elevates the lentil’s earthy goodness and complements its texture.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Hot Italian Sausage–Stuffed Dates
• Giada Tuscan White Bean And Garlic Soup
• Giada Delicious Asparagus Soup With Herbed Goat Cheese