Lentils, these tiny but mighty legumes, have been a staple in diets worldwide for centuries. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, they offer a delicious and nutritious way to add variety to your meals. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, lentils are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes.
From hearty soups and stews to vibrant salads and flavorful curries, lentils can be adapted to suit any taste or dietary preference. In this collection, we’ll explore 18 delicious lentil recipes that will inspire you to incorporate these legumes into your weekly meal plan. So, let’s dive in and discover the endless possibilities of lentils!
CAULIFLOWER LENTIL SALAD
This cauliflower lentil salad is a light and refreshing way to enjoy lentils. Roasted cauliflower serves as the vegetable base, and we mix in canned lentils, all topped off with a drizzle of our creamy cumin dressing.
HARIRA SOUP
Harira soup is a traditional Moroccan dish featuring lentils, chickpeas, and a rich, flavorful broth infused with warm spices, herbs, and tomatoes. This nourishing Mediterranean meal offers over 20 grams of high-quality plant protein in each small bowl, making it both satisfying and wholesome.
TURKISH LENTIL SOUP
Our Turkish red lentil soup is quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes using one pot. It boasts a smooth, creamy texture and a warm, comforting flavor, enhanced by a hint of tanginess from fresh lemon juice.
LENTIL CHILI
Lentil and bean chili is a delicious and nutritious one-pot meal that uses green or brown lentils in place of ground meat, making it a vegetarian twist on classic chili con carne. This hearty and satisfying dish is high in protein, easy to prepare with pantry staples, and perfect for meal prep.
MOROCCAN LENTIL SOUP
Moroccan lentil soup is a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course alongside pita bread or flatbread. Topped with quick pickled red onions and a dollop of yogurt sauce, it offers a delightful balance of flavors. This one-pot recipe is simple to prepare, resulting in a rustic, thick, and creamy texture that resembles a lentil stew.
STUFFED BELL PEPPERS
Next on our list are stuffed bell peppers filled with lentils, rice, fresh herbs, and fragrant spices. The aromatic filling soaks up the juices from the bell peppers, creating a delicious medley of flavors and textures that makes this recipe an irresistible vegetarian dinner.
MUSHROOM LENTIL WELLINGTON
If you’re searching for a delicious vegetarian centerpiece featuring lentils, look no further than our lentil mushroom Wellington. Made with a flavorful blend of vegetables and walnuts, this dish is served with creamy mushroom gravy and a side of green beans, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
LENTIL VEGETABLE SOUP
This spinach lentil soup is wholesome and hearty, boasting a delightful herby flavor. The lentils add nutrition and fulfillment, offering texture, protein, iron, and gut-healthy fiber. For busy weeknights, you can prepare a large batch and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days, ensuring you have a quick and nourishing meal on hand.
LENTIL AND RICE ‘MUJADDARA’
Lentil, rice, and onion Mujaddara is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish seasoned with aromatic spices and topped with caramelized onions. Enjoy it as a wholesome dinner paired with a tahini yogurt sauce and a fresh green salad.
RED LENTIL SOUP
This hearty, tomato-rich red lentil soup is a perfect winter weeknight meal infused with an Italian spice mix. The red lentils cook in just 15–20 minutes, allowing you to have the entire soup ready in 30 minutes.
LENTIL HUMMUS
This hummus made with lentils is creamy, velvety smooth, and can be prepared in just five minutes. Try this easy and delicious lentil dip to accompany your appetizers or to shake up your hummus routine!
LENTIL SOUP WITH LEAFY GREENS
This lentil soup is ideal for everyday dinners and makes a great make-ahead meal, as it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Made with green lentils using a one-pot method, it’s perfect served with a slice of toasted bread for an Italian-inspired dinner.
SWEET POTATO AND LENTIL SALAD
This vibrant sweet potato lentil salad highlights sweet potato cubes and is perfect for lunch or as a make-ahead dinner. It’s also great for potlucks and picnics. This salad is one of our favorite ways to enjoy canned lentils, making it a crowd-pleaser and a family favorite.
CURRY LENTIL SOUP
In this comforting bowl of curry lentil soup, aromatic spices like turmeric, curry, and cumin take center stage, enhancing the earthy richness of the lentils. These golden spices not only add vibrant color but also offer anti-inflammatory benefits, resulting in a hearty and wholesome soup that nourishes both body and soul.
EASY LENTIL PASTA
This Italian lentil pasta is ideal for a delicious and easy everyday dinner, all made in one pot. We use green or brown lentils to create a rich, wholesome, and satisfying pasta dish. Tip: Freeze any leftovers or enjoy them the next day—this pasta becomes even more flavorful after a couple of days!
LENTIL BOLOGNESE
This rich and earthy lentil Bolognese is a fantastic sauce for spaghetti, lasagna, and linguine. Plant-based and made with green or brown lentils, it delivers a restaurant-worthy meal packed with authentic Italian flavor.
LENTIL CURRY
Our first lentil recipe is a creamy and rich lentil curry, a beloved dinner option in our home. It’s quick to prepare in just 30 minutes using split red lentils and pairs beautifully with a variety of vegetables. Serve your curry with white rice and lemon wedges, and dinner is ready!
LENTIL PATTIES
Lentil patties are simple to make and are seasoned with fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables. You can prepare the lentil batter in a food processor and cook the patties in a skillet, oven, or air fryer for a delicious and healthy meal.
