Looking for delicious and nutritious recipes featuring lentils? Look no further! These wholesome Lentil Recipes are not only tasty but also packed with fiber and protein. They provide a healthy and affordable option to balance out all the holiday feasting. Whether you're looking for unique lentil recipes, hearty dinners, soups, salads, or vegan options, we've got you covered!
And now… Our Best Lentil Recipes!
Lentil Bolognese
Rich and robust, this Lentil Bolognese is a favorite among lentil lovers. It's hearty, "meaty," and bursting with flavor, without any meat. Toss it with your favorite pasta or spoon it over creamy polenta - either way, this nourishing lentil recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Lentil Pot Pie with Butternut Squash and Kale
Indulge in the delicious fall flavors with this Vegan Lentil Pot Pie. Made with roasted butternut squash, black lentils, and kale, and topped with a golden puff pastry crust, this hearty one-pan lentil dinner is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Lentil Meatballs
Winner of the "best vegan recipe" on Food 52, these Vegan Lentil Meatballs with Coconut Curry Sauce are a must-try. Totally plant-based and 100% delicious, they will leave you wanting more.
Braised French Lentils
Looking for a healthy side dish? Look no further than this recipe for Braised French Lentils. Nourishing and comforting, these lentils can be made ahead, perfect for a busy weeknight. Leftovers can even be frozen or turned into a salad!
Coconut Lentil Curry
Craving a quick, easy, and comforting meal? Look no further than this Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry. Infused with fragrant Indian spices, this vegan and gluten-free recipe can be made in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
Ethiopian Lentils & Chicken
Looking to explore Ethiopian cuisine? Try this flavorful Ethiopian Lentils & Chicken recipe. Featuring Berbere Spice, this lentil dish is a favorite among lentil dinner recipes.
Spinach Lentil Dal (Emerald Dal)
Indulge in the lusciousness of this Spinach Lentil Dal. Made with black lentils and packed with spinach, this nutrient-rich dish is bursting with flavor, making it a perfect vegan-adaptable option.
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Black Lentils
Looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner? Try these Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Black Lentils. Seasoned with Romesco Sauce and served over simply seasoned black caviar lentils, this dish is vegan, plant-powered, and bursting with flavor.
Indian Shepherd's Pie with Lentils
Cozy up with this Indian-Spiced Shepherd's Pie featuring black or brown lentils, vegetables, and fragrant Garam Masala, all topped with curry mashed potatoes. This lentil recipe is truly one of the best!
Roasted Salmon with Braised French Lentils
Want a simple and healthy weeknight dinner recipe? Try this Roasted Salmon with Lemon and Thyme served over Braised French Green Lentils. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that will keep you coming back for more.
Red Lentil Dal
Soulful and comforting, this Red Lentil Dal with Sweet Potatoes is a quick 30-minute meal packed with fragrant Indian spices. Simple to make and bursting with flavor, it's sure to become a favorite in your household.
Beet Braised Lentils
Enjoy the comforting and delicious Beet Braised Lentils. This healthy vegan stew or soup is topped with optional goat cheese and can be served on its own or as a side dish to fish, chicken, or meat.
Moroccan Lentil with Seared Ahi
Transport your taste buds with this Moroccan Lentil with Seared Ahi recipe. Cumin and Fennel crusted Ahi is served over Moroccan Lentils with roasted baby carrots, fresh herbs, and a yogurt drizzle. The flavors are simply spectacular!
Harira (Moroccan Lentil and Chickpea Soup)
For a hearty and protein-packed meal, try Harira, a Moroccan Lentil and Chickpea Soup. This healthy one-pot meal is full of warming fragrant spices and is both vegan and gluten-free.
Lentil Chili
Get cozy with this nutrient-packed Lentil Chili. Perfect for fall, it's great for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The best part? It saves well, and leftovers taste even better! Vegan adaptable.
Middle Eastern Lentil Soup
Warm yourself up with this Middle Eastern-style Lentil Soup. Infused with Middle Eastern spices, this vegan and gluten-free soup can be made in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
Mulligatawny Soup
Indulge in the creamy and rich flavors of this Mulligatawny Soup. Bursting with bright and spicy flavors, this vegan adaptable soup can be enjoyed as is or customized with chicken, more veggies, or rice. An easy and fast weeknight meal!
Lentil Mushroom Stew
Try this earthy and hearty Lentil Mushroom Stew with Fennel and Sage. It's a delicious and vegan option that will satisfy your cravings.
Red Lentil Quinoa Soup
Enjoy the warming flavors of this Moroccan Red Lentil Quinoa Soup. Made with simple everyday ingredients, this vegan and gluten-free soup is bursting with flavor and can be made in under 30 minutes.
Beet and Lentil Soup
For a simple healing vegan soup, give this Beet and Lentil Soup a try. Packed full of antioxidants, it aids in the liver's healing process. It's vegan and gluten-free, making it a nourishing and delicious option.
Lentil Spinach and Beet Salad
Experience the combination of flavors in this Beet, Lentil, and Spinach Salad. Topped with a pomegranate dressing and maple walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese, this salad is a true delight.
Lentil Tabouli Salad
Enjoy the fresh Middle Eastern flavors of this Lentil Tabouli Salad. Filling lentils are paired with summer tomatoes, lemon, mint, parsley, and a unique combination of spices. Make it ahead and savor the flavors for days to come!
Lentil Salad with Celery and Dates
Enjoy this Lentil Salad with a refreshing combination of celery, dates, and almonds. A make-ahead salad that keeps well in the fridge, it can be enjoyed as is or with shaved pecorino for added flavor.
Moroccan Lentil Salad
Delight your tastebuds with this Moroccan Lentil Salad. Infused with Moroccan spices, this healthy vegan salad can be made ahead and keeps well for up to 4 days, making it perfect for healthy midweek lunches.
Minted Lentil Salad
Enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors of this Minted Lentil Salad. Inspired by Greek cuisine, this lentil salad is packed with seasonal veggies, greens, sprouts, almonds, avocado, fresh mint, and the best tahini sauce. It's both vegan and gluten-free!
Lentil Pomegranate Salad
Try this Lentil Pomegranate Salad, also known as Palouse Caviar. Made with black caviar lentils, pomegranate, avocado, and lime, this vegan and gluten-free lentil dip (or salad) is perfect as a festive appetizer or over greens for a hearty salad.
Lentil Apple Salad
Enjoy the combination of flavors in this Lentil Apple Salad. Made with apples, walnuts, celery root, and a delicious toasted Cumin Seed Dressing, this healthy vegan salad can be made ahead for midweek lunches or potlucks.
Mujadara
Experience the comfort of this Mujadara recipe. Made with lentils and rice, infused with fragrant Moroccan spices, and topped with caramelized shallots, fresh veggies, and pine nuts, this dish is both gluten-free and vegan adaptable.
Lentil Cakes
These vegan Lentil Cakes made with walnuts and mushrooms are not only healthy but also incredibly flavorful. Topped with flavorful Zhoug yogurt, they are perfect for a satisfying meal.
Warm Lentil Salad with Blistered Tomatoes and Kale
Indulge in this warm Lentil Salad with Blistered Tomatoes and Kale. This simple vegetarian lentil recipe is seasoned with Middle Eastern spices and topped with feta, making it healthy and tasty.
Lentil Buddha Bowls
Enjoy healthy and delicious Vegan Lentil Bowls with Tahini Dressing. These bowls are loaded with seasonal veggies, greens, sprouts, almonds, avocado, fresh mint, and the best tahini sauce. They are both vegan and gluten-free.
Lentil Burgers
Looking for a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional burgers? Try these Sprouted Lentil Burgers. They are grillable, vegan, and gluten-free adaptable. Top them off with some pickled beets for added tanginess. These lentil burgers are perfect for meal prep.
Lentils with Beets, Chard, and Goat Cheese
Indulge in the warm and satisfying flavors of Lentils with Beets, Chard, and Goat Cheese. This simple vegetarian meal is perfect for a cozy night in. Enjoy the combination of flavors and textures!
Lentil Wraps with Tahini Sauce
Looking for a healthy and flavorful wrap option? Try these Spicy Tahini Lentil Wraps. Loaded with avocado, carrots, cabbage, and a tasty Sriracha Tahini Sauce, these wraps are both vegan and delicious!
Types of Lentils
Did you know that there are many different types of lentils available? Here are a few:
- Brown Lentils: The most common lentils with a mild flavor and firm texture. Great for soups, stews, salads, and side dishes.
- Green Lentils: Similar to brown lentils, these have a slightly peppery flavor and retain their shape when cooked. Perfect for salads and hearty dishes.
- Red Lentils: Cook quickly and have a soft texture when cooked. Ideal for soups, stews, curries, and dals, commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
- French Lentils (Lentils du Puy): Dark green or blue-gray lentils with a nutty flavor. Hold their shape when cooked and often used in salads, side dishes, and vegetarian main courses.
- Black Lentils (Beluga Lentils): Small, shiny lentils resembling caviar with a rich, earthy flavor. Hold their shape well when cooked and popular in salads, soups, and veggie burgers.
- Yellow Lentils (Split Peas): Technically not lentils, but commonly used in cooking. Mild, sweet flavor, often used in soups, stews, and dal recipes.
Health Benefits of Lentils
Lentils offer numerous health benefits. Here are the top three:
- High in Fiber: Lentils are an excellent source of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
- Rich in Plant-Based Protein: Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, containing all essential amino acids.
- Packed with Nutrients: Lentils are packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, folate, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. They also have a low glycemic index and are a good source of antioxidants.
In addition to these benefits, lentils can promote heart health, reduce the risk of anemia, and aid in weight management.
With all these delicious and nutritious lentil recipes, you're sure to find something to satisfy your cravings and boost your health. Enjoy!
More recipes you may like:
- 33+ Best Cauliflower Recipes
- 20+ Delicious Cabbage Recipes
- 20 Best Quinoa Recipes
- Our 20 Best Chickpea Recipes!
- Plant-Based Reset!
- 40 Easy Healthy Dinner Ideas
- 25 Delicious Vegan Buddha Bowls!
