🍤 Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes & Spinach

🥣 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

🌾 Main Ingredients

• 1 cup brown or green lentils (rinsed and drained)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes or 2 fresh tomatoes

• 4 cups vegetable broth or water

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 bay leaf

• ½ tsp cumin (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (for finishing)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

✅ Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add onion, carrots, and celery.

3. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring, until softened.

4. Add garlic and cook another 1 minute until fragrant.

✅ Step 2: Add Lentils & Tomatoes

1. Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, oregano, bay leaf, and cumin.

2. Add broth (or water) and bring to a boil.

✅ Step 3: Simmer

1. Reduce heat to low and cover partially.

2. Simmer gently for 30–40 minutes, until lentils are tender.

3. Stir occasionally and add a little water if it thickens too much.

✅ Step 4: Finish

1. Remove bay leaf.

2. Add salt, pepper, and red wine vinegar.

3. Drizzle with olive oil before serving for rich flavor.

✅ Step 5: Serve

Serve hot with:

• 🥖 Whole-grain or sourdough bread

• 🥗 A simple side salad

• 🍋 A squeeze of lemon juice

💚 Health & Nutrition Benefits

✅ Healthy Tips

1. 🌿 Add spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes for extra nutrients.

2. 🍋 A splash of lemon juice or vinegar brightens the flavor and aids digestion.

3. 🧊 Keeps well — refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for 1 month.

4. 🍲 Great meal-prep dish — flavors deepen overnight!