These Lentils, please married me are a delicious plant-based spin on the popular Marry Me Chicken—minus the chicken but not short on flavor! We let protein- and fiber-rich lentils steal the spotlight by simmering them in a creamy sauce loaded with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and kale. We love mopping up every last drop of sauce with toasted whole-grain bread. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just showing yourself a little extra love, this dish will have you saying, “I do” with every bite. Ready to tie the knot? Read on for our best tips and tricks for making this swoon-worthy dish at home. Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! Red lentils cook quickly. After about 15 minutes, they will begin to break down, which will help thicken the dish. The lentils will continue to thicken up as they cool, so you’ll want to take them off the heat while the sauce is still a little thin and some of the lentils are still whole.Parmesan cheese is often made with animal rennet. If you’re following a vegetarian diet, look for cheese labeled “vegetarian.” Pre-chopped kale from a bag can help cut down on prep time. If you are chopping your own kale, red kale, curly kale or lacinato kale will all work well. Nutrition Notes Lentils are packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber and iron. The combination of plant-based protein and fiber can help you feel full for longer, while iron is important for immune health and energy. Lentils have a low glycemic index, which means they can help promote stable blood sugar levels.Sun-dried tomatoes are just tomatoes that have been dried out, so you get all the same benefits as the fresh version. Sun-dried tomatoes contain high amounts of lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce risk of heart disease and is the reason for tomatoes’ red color. They’re also a good source of vitamin A for skin and hair health. Kale is a good source of potassium, calcium and magnesium, three nutrients that can support healthy blood pressure. The dark leafy green also contains phytochemicals that may reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like cancer and cardiovascular disease. Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

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