Creamy Marry Me Lentils

Creamy, cozy, and full of love, these Marry Me Lentils are the kind of meal that makes you feel cared for, spoonful by spoonful.”

This Marry Me Lentils recipe is the plant-based comfort food every mama deserves creamy, rich, and packed with protein, yet light enough for gentle digestion. Inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken” dish, this version transforms the flavors you love sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and creamy sauce into a nourishing, one-pot lentil meal made with ingredients that support postpartum recovery and milk supply.

When I first made this after a long day of juggling baby naps and dinner prep, I knew it was one of those “repeat forever” recipes. It’s grounding, full of flavor, and loaded with iron and fiber to fuel long, beautiful, busy days of motherhood.

Made with coconut milk and earthy lentils, this creamy Marry Me Lentils dish feels indulgent but is entirely wholesome a bowl of comfort that’s as good for your hormones as it is for your heart.

How to make Marry Me Lentils

These Marry Me Lentils bring all the cozy Tuscan flavor of the original dish sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and creaminess but in a lighter, dairy-free, mama-safe way. Every ingredient is here to nourish your body and calm your spirit.

For the Lentils

• 1 tablespoon oil from a jar of sun-dried tomatoes
  Infuses rich, savory flavor and provides healthy fats that support hormone balance.
• 1 cup dry brown or green lentils (or 2½ cups cooked)
  The base of this dish rich in plant-based protein, iron, and fiber to support energy, milk production, and stable blood sugar.
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
  Adds sweetness and gentle flavor without acidity.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (instead of 6, for digestion balance)
  Provides immune support while staying gentle on postpartum tummies.

For the Flavor Base

• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, lightly crushed
  Naturally helps ease bloating and supports milk supply, a secret galactagogue herb used for centuries.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme that gives that Tuscan warmth while remaining mild.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  Adds depth and a gentle smokiness that complements the creaminess.
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  For color and umami choose low-acid paste if possible for gentler digestion.
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
  Adds tang and texture while providing antioxidants like lycopene that support tissue repair.

For the Creamy Sauce

• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or bone broth
  Hydrating and rich in minerals, perfect for postpartum recovery.
• ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk (or cashew cream)
  Replaces heavy cream, creamy, dairy-free, and filled with MCT fats that boost energy and hormone health.
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast or ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan (optional)
  Adds cheesy flavor and B vitamins, vital for postpartum energy and mood.
• 2 cups baby spinach or kale, roughly chopped
  Adds iron, calcium, and fiber for gentle, hormone-friendly nourishment.

For Finishing

• 1 small handful of fresh basil, chopped
  For freshness, anti-inflammatory benefits, and flavor balance.
• Juice of ½ lemon (or to taste)
  Brightens the dish and enhances iron absorption.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 – Build your flavor base
Heat the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the garlic, fennel seeds, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 30 seconds more, just until aromatic.
Why this matters: This gentle, slow sauté builds the foundation of flavor without harsh spices or heavy fats making your Marry Me Lentils easy on digestion and full of depth.*

Step 2 – Add the tomato base and lentils
Stir in the tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, coating everything in that rich, savory flavor. Add the lentils, stir well, and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes (until lentils are tender).
Why this matters: Lentils are high in iron and plant protein, but they need time to soften slow simmering makes them creamy, nourishing, and easier for postpartum digestion.*

Step 3 – Add the creamy layer
Once the lentils are cooked, stir in the coconut milk (or cashew cream). Let it simmer uncovered for another 5–7 minutes, until the sauce thickens into a rich, velvety texture.
Why this matters: The coconut milk adds healthy fats and MCTs that support hormone recovery and energy giving your creamy Marry Me Lentils that luscious texture without using dairy or cream.*

Step 4 – Add the greens and finish
Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted and vibrant. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
Why this matters: Leafy greens replenish iron and calcium stores, supporting your milk supply and helping prevent postpartum fatigue.*

Step 5 – Serve with love
Ladle the Marry Me Lentils into bowls and top with chopped basil, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or Parmesan (if using), and an extra drizzle of sun-dried tomato oil.
Why this matters: This final touch enhances absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K fat-soluble nutrients that fuel your body’s recovery and hormone balance.*

Serving Tips:

• Serve with brown rice, quinoa, or whole-grain toast for a high-fiber, balanced meal.
• For a lighter option, spoon over steamed zucchini noodles or roasted vegetables.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days (it tastes even better the next day!).

WHY THIS RECIPE SUPPORTS BREASTFEEDING MOMS: THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE BOWL

These Marry Me Lentils aren’t just creamy and craveable they’re purpose-built for postpartum recovery and lactation. Each component adds a nutrient your body is asking for right now.

1) Lentils = protein, iron, and steady energy
Lentils deliver complete-building–block protein plus non-heme iron and folate. Protein supports tissue repair and milk synthesis; iron and folate help rebuild red blood cells and fight postpartum fatigue. Their soluble fiber (beta-glucans + pectins) slows glucose release, keeping energy and mood steadier between feeds.

2) Coconut milk (or cashew cream) = gentle, hormone-supportive fats
The medium-chain fats in coconut milk are easy to digest and provide quick fuel without heaviness. If you choose cashew cream, you add copper, magnesium, and a little plant protein great for nervous-system calm and muscle recovery.

3) Sun-dried tomatoes + tomato paste = antioxidant lift
Concentrated tomatoes are rich in lycopene and vitamin C precursors. Paired with a squeeze of lemon at the end, they help your body absorb iron from the lentils more efficiently.

4) Fennel seed and mild herbs = digestion and let-down support
Fennel has a long traditional use as a galactagogue and gentle carminative; it may help with let-down while easing gas for both mom and baby. Keeping spices warm (not hot) protects sensitive postpartum digestion.

5) Leafy greens = calcium, vitamin K, and extra iron
Spinach or kale adds non-heme iron, calcium, and vitamin K key for bone health, clotting, and overall recovery. The dish’s healthy fats improve absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).

6) Olive/sun-dried tomato oil finish = better milk fat profile
A small drizzle of monounsaturated-rich oil at the end supports hormone balance and can improve the fatty-acid composition of breast milk, while helping you absorb fat-soluble nutrients from the sauce and greens.

REFERENCES

• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Protein, Iron, and Folate needs during lactation
• La Leche League International, Galactagogues and maternal nutrition guidance
• PubMed, Maternal fat intake and breast milk fatty-acid composition
• PMC, Probiotics and maternal gut health postpartum
• PubMed, Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) use in lactation and digestive comfort

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this Marry Me Lentils recipe safe while breastfeeding?
Yes these Marry Me Lentils are 100% breastfeeding-safe and gentle on digestion. Lentils are high in iron and protein, which support milk production and postpartum recovery, while fennel and coconut milk naturally promote hormonal balance and a healthy milk flow.

Can I make Marry Me Lentils dairy-free or vegan?
Definitely. The recipe is already naturally vegan and dairy-free when made with coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. It stays creamy, comforting, and rich no dairy needed.

Can I meal prep or freeze Marry Me Lentils?
Yes. These creamy Marry Me Lentils store beautifully. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or coconut milk.

What kind of lentils work best for this recipe?
Brown or green lentils hold their shape best and create a hearty texture. Red lentils will make the dish softer and creamier ideal if you prefer a smoother, stew-like consistency.

Can I serve this dish with something else?
Yes! Serve with brown rice, quinoa, or toasted sourdough for a balanced, high-fiber meal. For a lighter postpartum dinner, spoon the Marry Me Lentils over roasted zucchini or mashed sweet potatoes.

Comfort in a Bowl, Made with Love and Lentils

This Marry Me Lentils recipe is more than creamy comfort food it’s a quiet reminder that nourishment can be simple, soulful, and full of love. Each spoonful feels like calm: soft lentils, rich coconut milk, and the warmth of herbs that seem to whisper, “You’re doing enough.”

It’s the kind of dish that grounds you on the long, beautiful days of motherhood when you need energy, when you crave something cozy, or when you just need a moment of peace between feeds and bedtime routines.

Because yes, it’s delicious and full of plant-based protein but more than that, it’s care made edible. A one-pot promise that you can feed yourself well, even when life is loud and your hands are full.

“This isn’t just food. It’s a love letter to your tired, amazing body.” Honney

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