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Lunch recipe · from the recipe book

Cauliflower, Kale and Lentil Tomato Braise

Roasted-tasting cauliflower and sweet carrots simmer with brown lentils in a garlicky, paprika-warm tomato sauce, finished with tender kale and a shower of Parmesan.

Cauliflower, Kale and Lentil Tomato Braise

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp27 gOlive oil
  • 4⅔ cups florets500 gCauliflowercut into bite-size florets
  • 1½ medium160 gYellow oniondiced
  • 2 medium120 gCarrotssliced into coins
  • 2 stalks80 gCelerydiced
  • 4 cloves12 gGarlicminced
  • 2 tbsp32 gTomato paste
  • 1¾ tsp4 gPaprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 2 tsp2 gDried oregano
  • ½ tsp1 gCrushed red pepper
  • 1 cup180 gBrown or green lentils, dryrinsed
  • 1¾ lb800 gDiced tomatoes, canned
  • 2¾ cups600 gVegetable broth
  • 5¾ cups chopped120 gKalestems removed, chopped
  • ½ tsp3 gSalt
  • ½ tsp1 gBlack pepper
  • 1 tbsp15 gLemon juice
  • ⅓ cup grated30 gGrated Parmesan

Steps

  1. Prep first: cut the cauliflower into florets, dice the onion and celery, slice the carrot, mince the garlic, rinse the lentils and chop the kale.
  2. Heat half of the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower and cook without stirring much until browned in spots, about 6 minutes. Move the cauliflower to a plate.
  3. Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining half of the olive oil. Add the onion, carrot and celery and cook until softened, about 6 minutes.
  4. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, paprika, oregano and red pepper flakes and cook 1 minute until the paste darkens.
  5. Add the lentils, canned tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring now and then.
  6. Return the browned cauliflower to the pot and simmer, partly covered, until the lentils and cauliflower are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
  7. Stir in the kale and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Season with the salt and black pepper, then stir in the lemon juice.
  8. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with the Parmesan.

Check labels: Gluten-free when you buy vegetable broth labeled gluten-free.

Contains: Milk. Some brands contain gluten.

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Saved in the Every Helping recipe book on October 24, 2026.

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