Turmeric Spiced Lentil & Yogurt Mezze

A delightful blend of warm, crispy lentils seasoned with turmeric, paired with creamy Greek yogurt and fresh parsley for a refreshing, easy-to-make mezze.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 25 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   In a small pot, combine the rinsed red lentils with 1 cup of water. Add the turmeric powder for flavor and color. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the lentils are soft and the water is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and remove from heat once the lentils are tender and have absorbed the turmeric.
2. 2.
   While the lentils cook, heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, it’s ready. Add the lentils to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes until slightly crispy and fragrant. This step caramelizes the flavors, so don't skip it. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
3. 3.
   Spoon the crispy lentils onto a serving dish. Drizzle the plain Greek yogurt over the top. The yogurt adds a cool creaminess that complements the spiciness of the turmeric and the crispiness of the lentils.
4. 4.
   Garnish with fresh parsley. Its bright, fresh flavor provides a pleasant contrast to the rich lentils and creamy yogurt. If you don't have parsley, cilantro makes a good alternative.
5. 5.
   Serve immediately while the lentils are warm. If the lentils cool too much, they may harden slightly. You can briefly reheat them in the pan with a splash of water to bring back some softness.