If you’re a fan of Andrew Rea’s “Binging with Babish” and looking to explore his vegetarian recipes, you’re in for a treat! Andrew has a knack for transforming classic dishes and pop culture favorites into approachable recipes that delight both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
This particular vegetarian recipe captures his signature style: simple ingredients, straightforward technique, and big, comforting flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, this recipe is perfect for satisfying your cravings without compromising on taste.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and share tips to make it your own. Plus, we’ll highlight why this dish is a must-try and how it fits perfectly into your cooking repertoire.
Ready to cook something delicious and meat-free? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Binging with Babish vegetarian recipe stands out because it balances hearty textures with fresh, vibrant flavors. It uses readily available ingredients and requires no complicated cooking techniques, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
You’ll appreciate how the recipe is packed with protein-rich plant-based elements, making it both satisfying and nutritious. The dish also embodies Babish’s philosophy of recreating iconic dishes with a twist, so you get that nostalgic comfort food vibe without the meat.
Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, friends, or family, this recipe delivers consistent results and is sure to become a new favorite in your vegetarian meal rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or rice (for added texture)
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (for rinsing lentils)
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water using a colander. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid and set lentils aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables soften.
- Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and dried thyme to the skillet, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes (including juices). Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked lentils to the skillet, stirring to combine. If using, fold in cooked quinoa or rice here for extra texture and heartiness.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the mixture cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
“Adjust the spices to your liking — a pinch of chili flakes can add a nice kick if you like things spicy!”
For extra depth, try adding a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of liquid smoke to mimic smoky flavors. You can also swap lentils for chickpeas or black beans depending on your preference.
If you want a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of plain yogurt or vegan sour cream just before serving. For added crunch, sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds on top.
This recipe is also a great base for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers and enjoy for up to 4 days.
You can reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (serves 4) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 15 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
| Vitamin A | 30% DV |
| Vitamin C | 20% DV |
| Iron | 25% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This hearty vegetarian dish pairs wonderfully with a side of warm crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a light contrast. You can also serve it over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or couscous to make it a more filling meal.
For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle some tahini sauce or sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus also complement the earthy lentils beautifully.
If you’re looking for dessert ideas to round out your meal, why not try the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe or indulge in a slice of the Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for a sweet finish!
Conclusion
This Binging with Babish vegetarian recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious, nourishing meal that everyone will love. Its hearty lentils, vibrant vegetables, and rich tomato base make it both satisfying and comforting — perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Andrew Rea’s approach to cooking shines through in the balance of flavors and ease of preparation, making it accessible even for novice cooks. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to eat more plant-based meals, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Don’t forget to check out other excellent recipes like the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe and the Cheese Penny Recipe for more inspiration. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Binging with Babish Vegetarian Recipe
Description: A delicious and hearty vegetarian dish inspired by Binging with Babish. Perfect for a satisfying meat-free meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- Cook quinoa in vegetable broth until fluffy, about 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add bell pepper and zucchini; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes, black beans, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Combine cooked quinoa with vegetable mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 55 g
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