Low Sugar Cilantro-Lime Lentil & Bulgur Bowl with Tomatoes
Bright, herby, and deeply satisfying, this grain-and-legume bowl is the kind of meal that proves wholesome eating doesn't have to feel like a compromise. Lentils simmered with turmeric and cumin bring earthy warmth, while fluffy bulgur adds a pleasantly chewy bite that soaks up every drop of the dressing. That dressing — built from fresh lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of ginger — is where the real magic happens, delivering bold, tangy flavor without a single gram of added sweetener. Cherry tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and sliced scallion greens fold in at the end for color, brightness, and a little pop of freshness in every forkful. For anyone keeping a close eye on added sugars, this bowl is a genuinely easy win — every ingredient is whole and unprocessed, so there's nothing hidden to second-guess. Optional avocado slices and extra lime wedges on the side let you customize richness and acidity to your taste. It works beautifully as a make-ahead lunch or a relaxed weeknight dinner that feels a little more special than it is.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the lentils
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 ½ cups water
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt
For the bulgur
- 1 cup medium bulgur wheat
- 1 ¾ cups water
- ¼ tsp salt
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
For the bowl
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 3 scallions (green tops only), thinly sliced
For serving
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the rinsed lentils, 2½ cups water, turmeric, cumin, and ½ tsp salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape, 20–25 minutes. Drain any excess water through a fine-mesh strainer and set aside.
- 2
While the lentils cook, bring 1¾ cups water and ¼ tsp salt to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in the bulgur, cover tightly, and remove from heat. Let stand until the water is fully absorbed and the bulgur is tender with a slight chew, about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
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