Okay, I have to spill the tea on this Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt dish I just whipped up—it’s a total flavor explosion you didn’t know you needed. The minute I took that first bite of this poached egg lentil bowl, I was hit with this perfect balance of savory earthiness from the lentils, tangy creaminess from the yogurt dressing, and that rich, silky pop from the perfectly poached egg. It’s the kind of combo that sticks in your mind and makes you want to dive back for another forkful immediately.
What really made this Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt unforgettable for me was the way every element amplifies the others without stealing the spotlight. The lentils soak up the poached egg and yogurt sauce in the best way possible. It’s like cozy comfort food meets health-conscious meal prep…so satisfying and totally craving-worthy. If you’re into healthy lentil recipes that bring both taste and protein to the table, this protein rich lentil meal fits the bill.
I actually spotted an incredible version on a site called Kellie’s Food To Glow, and it got me hooked (Eggcentric – Lentils, Poached Egg and Paprika-Spiked Yogurt). There’s this paprika-spiked yogurt that adds just the right hint of smoky warmth—a flavor upgrade for sure. Naturally, I had to recreate my own take at home, tweaking the seasoning and texture until it hit that drool-worthy note.
If you’re curious and enjoy a little twist on lentil salad with yogurt dressing, I promise you’ll love this. Plus, if you like savory breakfast ideas, swapping in this poached egg and yogurt sauce makes mornings exciting (Savoury Breakfast Guide). Fellow foodies, this dish is so worth trying, and I’m pumped to share how to make it come together perfectly!
What You Need

Here’s the lineup for making your own Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt that’s bursting with all the right flavors:
- 1 cup dry brown or green lentils (grab from the international aisle for the best texture)
- 4 large eggs (farm-fresh or organic if you want that rich yolk taste)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (go heavy on the full-fat—trust me, it makes your Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt ultra creamy)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (this secret ingredient pumps up the poached egg and yogurt sauce flavor)
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder (earthy warmth that complements the lentils perfectly)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (adds a punch without overpowering)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced (for that bright zing in the lentil salad with yogurt dressing)
- Salt and pepper to taste (essential!)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (adds freshness—and the green pop looks gorgeous on your poached egg lentil bowl)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (go extra virgin for a flavor punch)
Pro tip: For ingredient upgrades, splurge on the Greek yogurt—thicker and tangier yogurt will seriously make your Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt sing. Also, prepping your lentils ahead saves time—rinse and soak for about 30 minutes for a quicker cook, but if you’re short on time, just rinse and go.
Want shortcuts? Swap regular garlic for garlic paste, and keep lemon juice bottled for last-minute brightness. Oh, and store uncooked lentils in an airtight container in a cool place to keep that fresh, earthy taste locked in.
These ingredients make this Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt absolutely crave-worthy! Once you’ve got these beauties ready, your kitchen is about to smell like a cozy Lentil heaven.
How to Make It
1. Rinse and cook the lentils. Rinse 1 cup of dry lentils until the water runs clear, then simmer in 3 cups of water until tender but not mushy—about 20-25 minutes. Your Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt start with perfect lentils, so be patient here!
2. Season the lentils. Drain any extra water, then stir in cumin powder, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in the pan, then toss the lentils in. The smell here is pure comfort—warm, earthy, and inviting. This spice mix lifts your Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt to another level.
3. Make the yogurt sauce. While lentils cook, mix Greek yogurt with smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and a splash of water to thin it until it’s luscious but not runny. This creamy poached egg and yogurt sauce is THE flavor bomb in your poached egg lentil bowl.
4. Poach the eggs. Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer, add a splash of vinegar (for crisp whites), and carefully crack the eggs in one by one. In about 3-4 minutes, you’ll have perfect runny yolks ready to drizzle over your lentils.
5. Assemble your Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt. Spoon warm seasoned lentils into bowls, drizzle the poached egg and yogurt sauce over them, nestle your poached egg right on top, and finish with fresh chopped herbs.
Cooking this Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. Because the magic really happens when you combine those creamy-yet-smoky yogurt swirls with the tender protein rich lentil meals and silky yolk.
Quick pro tip: If you want restaurant-quality poached egg lentil bowl vibes at home, use the freshest eggs you can find and don’t skip the vinegar in your poaching water—it holds the whites tight and keeps your presentation on point.
By step 5, your kitchen should smell like a cozy spice market meets sunshine on a plate—so irresistible your foodie friends will beg for a taste.
Oh, and if you want to add more flavor, check out how these techniques boost the taste in this garlic butter beef bites with creamy mashed potatoes—similar ideas for sauce and texture play!
Serving This Up

This Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt just begs to be served with some seriously crave-worthy pairings. I love serving it with a crisp side salad or a warm flatbread to soak up every last bit of that poached egg and yogurt sauce. It also stands beautifully alongside a fresh cucumber salad like the one here in this Greek yogurt potato salad with cucumbers —the brightness complements the earthy lentils perfectly.
It’s fantastic for weekend brunch or a wholesome weeknight dinner. For plating, layer the lentils on the bottom, drizzle your yogurt sauce artistically around the rim, and plop that perfect poached egg right in the middle. Fresh herb sprinkles make your poached egg lentil bowl look like a drool-worthy masterpiece worthy of any foodie feed.
Got leftovers? No stress. Turn your Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt into a warm lunch salad—just reheat the lentils gently, add fresh yogurt dressing, and top with a new poached egg. Seasonal twist? Try tossing in sautéed spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes for fall vibes.
When I serve this Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt at gatherings, it’s always the first dish to go. Friends even ask for the recipe, which feels like the ultimate compliment!
If you’re here because you love protein rich lentil meals that don’t skimp on flavor, this one’s a winner for sure.
And if you’re all about easy food with big flavor, you might love this zucchini fritter stack with yogurt sauce as another creamy, tangy-saucy delight.
Your Questions Answered
How do I make Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt extra flavorful? I boost flavor by toasting spices like cumin before adding lentils, using full-fat Greek yogurt, and adding a splash of lemon juice to keep it bright and layered in taste.
Can I meal prep this Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt? Absolutely! Cook the lentils and make the yogurt sauce a day ahead. Store separately in airtight containers in the fridge, poach eggs fresh when you’re ready to eat to keep that silky texture.
What’s the best way to reheat it without losing quality? Warm lentils slowly on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water. Add fresh yogurt sauce and then poach or fry eggs fresh on top. Keeps the flavors and textures on point.
Is this dish gluten-free and healthy? Yes, packed with protein and fiber, this is a fantastic healthy lentil recipe for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I swap lentils for other legumes or grains? You can try with black beans or quinoa, but lentils give that tender, earthy base that works best with the poached egg and yogurt combo.
What kind of yogurt works best? Thick, creamy Greek yogurt is my go-to, but you can experiment with strained yogurt or even labneh for a tangy twist.
Any seasoning tips to customize? Add chili flakes for heat or fresh mint for an herbal note. Each tweak changes the mood of your Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt beautifully.
If you want to peek at how other food lovers season their poached egg lentil bowl, Rasamrit’s weekly menu showcases some innovative twists on similar healthy lentil recipes.
Final Bites
This Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt deserves a solid spot in your meal rotation for flavor, simplicity, and nourishing vibes. Honestly, it’s the kind of dish that makes healthy eating feel indulgent and totally exciting.
My Foodie Tips for your best dish ever:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients—they really make a difference.
- Don’t rush poaching the eggs—perfect yolk runniness is key.
- Customize seasoning heavily—this dish loves bold flavor experiments.
For fun variations, try:
- Adding roasted veggies like sweet potatoes or peppers
- Swapping smoked paprika for sumac for a tangier yogurt sauce
- Mixing in sautéed greens for extra layers of texture
The smoky, creamy one gets the most love in my house—and friends swoon over it at gatherings. But honestly, mix and match till you find your fave style.
I can’t wait for you to try this Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt and fall in love with it like I have. You’re about to create some seriously crave-worthy magic in your kitchen!
If you love this Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt, you have to try the zucchini fritter stack with yogurt sauce. And for another creamy-yet-savory delight, check out this garlic butter beef bites with creamy mashed potatoes for ridiculously good comfort food vibes.
Eggcentric lentils with poached egg and yogurt
A wholesome and flavorful dish featuring tender lentils topped with a perfectly poached egg and creamy yogurt, delivering a satisfying balance of protein and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Poached
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add cumin and smoked paprika, stirring to coat the onions and garlic for 1 minute.
- Add lentils and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Season with salt and pepper.
- While lentils cook, bring a separate pot of water to a gentle simmer. Crack each egg into a small bowl and gently slide into simmering water. Poach eggs for about 3–4 minutes for a runny yolk or longer for firmer yolks.
- In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
- Drain lentils if necessary, then divide between two bowls.
- Top each bowl of lentils with a poached egg and a dollop of the lemony yogurt.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a drizzle of hot sauce on top or sprinkle with za’atar seasoning for extra Middle Eastern flavor.