Name: High-Protein Mushroom & Thyme Mediterranean Skillet
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 16 oz assorted fresh mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster), sliced; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups cooked lentils (about 1 cup dry); 1 1/2 cups canned or cooked chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 1 1/2 cups low-fat cottage cheese; 1 cup Greek yogurt (nonfat or low-fat); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

High-Protein Mushroom & Thyme Mediterranean Skillet

miradu

This Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian skillet brings together earthy mushrooms, fresh thyme, and a powerhouse of protein from lentils, chickpeas, cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt. Browning the mushrooms deeply builds umami, while balancing flavors with lemon and parmesan ensures a rich, satisfying dish. This recipe is creamy, hearty, and packs a whopping 50g of protein per serving, making it a perfect dinner for vegetarians looking for a filling, muscle-fueling meal. Serve with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a complete Mediterranean experience.

Ingredients

Instructions

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and a pinch of salt; sauté until deeply browned and moisture has evaporated, about 7-8 minutes. Transfer mushrooms to a plate.
Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Add onion, cook until translucent, 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Return mushrooms to the skillet. Add lentils, chickpeas, fresh thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Gently fold until creamy and well incorporated. Heat through without boiling, 2-3 minutes.
Stir in grated Parmesan and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Spoon onto plates or shallow bowls. Garnish generously with extra thyme and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.