How to make a Warm Lentils, Soft Greens & Lemon-Mustard Oil

There are days when Marco does not cook to impress, remember, or seduce.
He cooks to reset.

On one such morning—no travel planned, no guests expected—he opens the cupboard and reaches for lentils. Not because they are humble, but because they are reliable. Lentils never rush. They warm slowly, ground the body, and ask nothing in return. He adds soft greens next, letting them collapse gently into the pot, the way thoughts soften when they are finally allowed to rest.

This is the kind of meal Marco associates with The Hermit—not isolation, but clarity. A pause. A return to the essentials. There is no excess here, only what is needed. The lemon-mustard oil comes last, bright and precise, like Temperance at work: a careful balance of sharpness and calm, acidity and fat, wakefulness and ease.

He eats this dish standing at the counter, in silence. No wine. No music.
Just warmth, softness, and the quiet confidence that comes from choosing well.

This Warm Lentils, Soft Greens & Lemon-Mustard Oil recipe is not luxury food. It is competent food—the kind that restores focus, supports the mind, and leaves space for whatever comes next. Simple ingredients, treated with respect, arranged with intention. A small ritual for a fresh start.

Tarot Keys (subtle, optional to include at the end of the intro)

The Hermit — nourishment, introspection, nervous-system calm
Temperance — balance, gentle digestion, harmony of flavors
Ace of Pentacles — simple ingredients, real sustenance, daily care

Cooking Techniques

The preparation of this recipe is straightforward, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. The process begins with draining and rinsing canned lentils, a step that removes excess starch and reduces sodium content, ensuring a cleaner taste. Cooking the lentils briefly with olive oil helps to infuse them with flavor and achieve a warm, comforting texture. Simultaneously, the baby spinach is either wilted or lightly steamed, depending on whether fresh or frozen spinach is used. This step softens the greens, making them tender and allowing them to easily meld with the lentils. The key to this dish is the gentle cooking method, which preserves the nutrients and vibrant color of the spinach while maintaining the integrity of the lentils. The final touch is the lemon-mustard dressing, which is whisked together separately and then drizzled over the warm lentil and spinach mixture. This technique ensures that the dressing coats each ingredient evenly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Incorporating optional upgrades like Lion’s Mane powder, turmeric, or yogurt adds an additional layer of complexity and health benefits to the dish, allowing for customization based on personal preference or dietary needs. Overall, this Warm Lentils, Soft Greens & Lemon-Mustard Oil recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create a dish that is not only delicious but also deeply nourishing. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, it is a recipe that celebrates the natural flavors and health benefits of its components.

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 15 mins

Cooking Method: Broiling

Cuisine: Fusion

Courses: Cooking for One, Lunch, One-Hand Friendly, Wellness

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 2

Estimated Cost: 10

Calories: 240 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This recipe pairs warm lentils with soft greens, dressed in a tangy lemon-mustard oil. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that's both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 can brown or green lentils (drained and rinsed)
1 to 2 cups baby spinach or frozen chopped spinach
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 lemon juice
to taste salt & black pepper

Optional Upgrades

1/2 teaspoon Lion’s Mane powder (brain clarity, subtle)
a pinch turmeric + black pepper (anti-inflammatory)
1 spoon plain Greek yogurt or plant yogurt (for creaminess)

Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

1
Gather and Prepare IngredientsEnsure all ingredients are on hand and ready for use. Drain and rinse the lentils in a colander to remove any excess liquid. If using fresh baby spinach, wash and dry it thoroughly. If using frozen spinach, allow it to thaw at room temperature or gently heat in the microwave until defrosted.
Rinsing the lentils helps reduce any residual salt or preservatives from the canning process.

Cooking the Lentils and Greens

2
Heat the Olive OilIn a medium-sized skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding the ingredients to get a good sear and flavor development.
3
Combine Lentils and GreensAdd the drained lentils to the skillet, stirring them gently to coat in the olive oil. Once the lentils are heated through, add the spinach, stirring continuously until the greens are wilted and fully incorporated.
If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thoroughly heated and any excess moisture is evaporated.

Flavoring and Serving

4
Prepare the Lemon-Mustard DressingIn a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
The dressing should have a balanced tangy and savory flavor. Adjust the lemon juice and mustard according to your preference.
5
Combine and ServePour the lemon-mustard dressing over the warm lentils and greens, stirring to combine. Once mixed, transfer the dish to serving bowls or plates.
For an optional upgrade, consider adding a pinch of turmeric and black pepper, a spoon of plain Greek yogurt, or ½ teaspoon of Lion’s Mane powder for added flavor and benefits.
6
.Combine and Serve
Pour the lemon-mustard dressing over the warm lentils and greens, stirring to combine. Once mixed, transfer the dish to serving bowls or plates.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Amount Per Serving
Calories 819.49kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9.42g15%
Saturated Fat 1.32g7%
Cholesterol 0.03mg1%
Sodium 246.42mg11%
Potassium 2129.78mg61%
Total Carbohydrate 129g43%
Dietary Fiber 65.31g262%
Sugars 4.63g
Protein 55.47g111%

Vitamin A 1491.94 IU
Vitamin C 16.48 mg
Calcium 136.87 mg
Iron 16.53 mg
Vitamin E 2.37 mg
Vitamin K 87.41 mcg
Thiamin 1.87 mg
Riboflavin 0.48 mg
Niacin 5.67 mg
Vitamin B6 1.18 mg
Folate 1048.69 mcg
Pantothenic Acid 4.58 mg
Phosphorus 969.78 mg
Magnesium 272.89 mg
Zinc 10.26 mg
Selenium 18.7 mcg
Copper 1.12 mg
Manganese 2.98 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For optimal flavor and texture, ensure the lentils are thoroughly drained and rinsed to remove any excess sodium from the canning liquid. When using baby spinach, a gentle sauté in olive oil will suffice to wilt the leaves slightly; if opting for frozen chopped spinach, make sure it is well thawed and excess water is squeezed out to prevent a watery dish. The dressing is a simple emulsion of olive oil, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice, which should be whisked until perfectly combined, enhancing the lentils’ earthiness and adding a vibrant zest. Seasoning is crucial: taste and adjust salt and black pepper to your preference just before serving. Consider the optional upgrades to tailor the dish to your needs—Lion's Mane powder for a subtle brain boost, turmeric with black pepper for an anti-inflammatory kick, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess. Serve warm, allowing the flavors to meld harmoniously.

Keywords: lentils, spinach, lemon, mustard, healthy

The Essence of Warm Lentils, Soft Greens & Lemon-Mustard Oil

This delightful dish captures the simplicity and elegance of plant-based cuisine. The warm lentils provide a hearty, earthy base, enriched by the vibrant freshness of baby spinach. The lemon-mustard oil, with its zesty notes, ties the flavors together, creating a symphony of taste that is both invigorating and comforting. Each bite offers a perfect balance of tanginess and warmth, making this dish a versatile choice for any meal.

Personal Reflections

Creating this recipe evokes memories of cozy evenings spent in the kitchen, where the aroma of sautéed greens and citrus filled the air with warmth and anticipation. It reminds me of the joy found in crafting something simple yet profoundly satisfying, proving that good food does not require complexity, but rather, an understanding of flavor harmony.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For a complete meal, serve this dish alongside crusty bread or a simple grain like quinoa. If you seek a touch of luxury, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess or experiment with turmeric for an anti-inflammatory boost. Each variation offers a new dimension to the dish, allowing you to tailor it to your own dietary preferences.

Encouragement and Engagement

I encourage you to try this recipe and experience its delightful medley of flavors. It’s a dish that not only nourishes the body but also the soul. Should you have any questions or wish to share your own variations, feel free to engage in the conversation. Your culinary journey is as unique as the flavors you create.