Breakfast Lentils With Cinnamon Brown Sugar

If you’re tired of oats, but still want something that brings the same comfort as porridge, red split lentil is a must-try for breakfast. 

This breakfast lentils dish is made with a swirl of warm cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, creamy vegan milk, and sweetened with brown sugar. 

Made with pantry-friendly ingredients and this recipe is perfect for eating healthy on a budget. Additionally, it’s packed with protein – about 11 grams per ¼ cup. That means this recipe yields about 48 grams of protein. Woah! 

Here’s The Nutrient Breakdown For Red Split Lentils (¼ cup, 45g):

• 150 calories 
• 11g protein 
• 7g fiber 
• 2.7mg iron 
• 40mg calcium

Starting a plant-based diet and need more protein? Check out Top 10 Cheap Plant-Based Protein Sources to get some ideas for your next meals! 

I used very simple ingredients for this dish because I wanted to keep this as affordable as possible. I also wanted to keep this recipe gluten-free, oil-free, whole-food-plant-based-approved, and wholesome. 

However, there are no limits to where you want to take these breakfast lentils 

I like to top mine with whatever I have around in the kitchen – sometimes that might be shredded coconut, toasted walnuts, berries, a splash of coconut milk, or apples. 

If you’re going sugar-free or avoiding refined sugar, you can go for a whole-food plant-based sweetener alternative including dates or raisins. Stevia is also an option that’s low calorie and gets the sweet job done. 

Why Use Red Split Lentils? 

Red split lentils are very soft, tender, and takes on any of the flavors you give to them. Additionally, they cook relatively fast in comparison to other lentil varieties. 

They are typically cooked in just 12-15 minutes. On the other hand, green lentils are tender after being cooked for 30 minutes or so. 

Where To Buy Red Split Lentils

Red split lentils can be found at big-box grocery stores includng Walmart, Target, and Trader Joe’s. I have also found them at Asian grocery stores at a great price and sometimes in bulk.

They’ll usually be sitting next to other dry legumes. If you can’t locate red split lentils at your local grocery store, they can also be found online at Amazon.

Should Lentils Be Soaked Before Cooking?

Lentils do not need to be soaked, especially red split lentils. Red split lentils cook very quickly – just a few minutes. 

So, just throw them into the pot with boiling/simmering water and you’re good to go. Reasons why lentils are a great, quick dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day.

Breakfast Red Split Lentils

Creamy, red split breakfast lentils topped with chopped walnuts and creamy coconut milk. A great alternative to traditional porridge or oatmeal that whipped up in just minutes!

5 from 1 vote

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Cook Time 15 mins

Course Breakfast

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup red split lentils
• 3 cups water/vegan milk
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 4 teaspoon brown sugar adjust to preference
• Splash of coconut milk optional
• Chopped walnuts optional

Instructions

 

• In a saucepan or pot over high heat, stir together red split lentils and water/vegan milk.
• Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Once at a boil, lower heat to medium. Cook and stir for 15 minutes, or until creamy and tender,
• Optional: Add your favorite porridge toppings! I added a splash of coconut milk and chopped walnuts.

Notes

1. Feel free to use any sweetener of choice and use as much or as little as you prefer. 
2. For a creamier breakfast red split lentils, add a splash of coconut milk.

Keyword Gluten Free, High Fiber, Oil-Free, Protein, Vegan

Did you try out this Breakfast Lentils recipe?

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