10+ Lentil Recipes for Deliciously Nutritious Meals

Lentils are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in many delicious recipes.

Whether you are looking for quick meals or hearty dishes, there are countless lentil recipes that can fit your culinary needs.

From soups and stews to salads and sides, lentils offer not only great flavor but also a wealth of health benefits.

Incorporating lentils into your meals is simple and rewarding. These legumes are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them an excellent choice for any diet.

You’ll find that experimenting with lentils can lead to delightful culinary adventures in your kitchen.

1) Dal Palak

Dal Palak is a delicious and healthy dish made with lentils and spinach. This Indian recipe is not only comforting but also packed with protein and nutrients. The spices used add a wonderful flavor that complements the creamy lentils.

For this dish, you will need fresh spinach, lentils, and a mix of spices.

It’s easy to prepare and makes a great addition to any meal. Serve it with rice or roti for a complete experience.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils (yellow or red)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• Water as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, heat oil or ghee over medium heat.
3. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
4. Sauté chopped onions until golden.
5. Add green chilies and tomatoes. Cook until soft.
6. Stir in turmeric and lentils, then add 3 cups of water.
7. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes.
8. Add chopped spinach and salt. Cook for another 5 minutes.
9. Serve hot with rice or roti. Enjoy!

2) Lentil Tacos with Avocado Crema

Lentil tacos with avocado crema are a tasty and healthy meal you can easily prepare. The lentils create a hearty base, while the creamy avocado sauce adds a rich flavor.

You will love the crunchy cabbage topping that brings a delightful texture. These tacos are perfect for lunch or dinner, and they take less than 30 minutes to make.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 avocado
• Juice of 2 limes
• ½ cup cilantro leaves
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ cup water (plus more if needed)
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups cabbage, shredded
• Taco shells or tortillas

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook lentils according to package directions until tender.
2. In a blender, combine avocado, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, water, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. Mix cooked lentils with shredded cabbage.
4. Assemble tacos by placing the lentil mixture in taco shells and topping with avocado crema. Enjoy!

3) 10-Ingredient Lentil Bolognese

This 10-Ingredient Lentil Bolognese is a hearty and delicious option for your meals. It’s full of flavor and easy to make. You can enjoy it with your favorite pasta.

For this recipe, you’ll need red lentils, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and walnuts. Add some balsamic vinegar for a tangy touch. You might also include optional ingredients like red wine.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup walnuts, chopped
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and lentils.
4. Add chopped walnuts, balsamic vinegar, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for about 25 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve over pasta and enjoy!

4) Vegan Red Lentil Curry

Vegan red lentil curry is a delicious and easy dish you can make quickly. This one-pot recipe is perfect for a meal prep. The creamy texture and rich flavors come together in just about 30 minutes.

You will need red lentils, coconut milk, and a few spices to bring it all together. It’s a healthy option and can be served with rice or naan for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the red lentils under cold water.
2. In a pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft.
3. Add curry powder and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in the red lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 20-25 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve with rice or naan, and garnish with cilantro if desired.

5) Spiced Lentils with Carrots

Spiced lentils with carrots make a warm and satisfying dish. This recipe is simple and packed with flavor. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a side.

To start, gather your ingredients. Fresh vegetables add great taste and nutrition. The spices create a lovely aroma while cooking.

For the best texture, cook the lentils until they are tender but not mushy. Carrots provide a nice sweetness, balancing the spices perfectly.

Ingredients

• 1 yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 4 carrots (about 2 cups chopped)
• 2 cups lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Spices: cumin, coriander, paprika
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in chopped carrots and spices.
4. Add lentils and vegetable broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 25 minutes until lentils are tender.

6) Red Lentil and Chorizo Stew

This Red Lentil and Chorizo Stew is a warm, comforting dish perfect for any cold day. The rich flavors of chorizo mix well with the soft, hearty lentils. You’ll find it’s easy to make and packed with nutrition.

Start by sautéing onion and garlic to create a flavorful base. Then, add spices to enhance the taste. The chorizo adds a nice smokiness that elevates the dish.

As it simmers, you’ll enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 chorizo sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and carrot; cook until soft.
3. Stir in sliced chorizo and cook for a few minutes.
4. Add lentils, paprika, and broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

7) French Lentils with Garlic and Herbs

French lentils with garlic and herbs is a simple and tasty dish. You can easily prepare it at home, and it’s perfect as a side or main course.

To start, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. The distinct flavor of French lentils complements garlic and fresh herbs beautifully.

Cooking involves sautéing aromatic vegetables like onion and celery. Then, you simmer the lentils with these flavors, enhancing their natural taste.

This dish is both healthy and satisfying, making it a great choice for any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup French lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils in cold water.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrot, and celery until soft.
3. Add garlic and sauté for another minute.
4. Stir in lentils, broth, and thyme.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

8) Hearty Lentil Soup with Greens

This hearty lentil soup is a great way to enjoy healthy greens and filling lentils. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner on a chilly day. The blend of lentils and vegetables makes it nutritious and comforting.

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and carrots in a pot. Add lentils, vegetable broth, and your choice of greens like kale or spinach.

Let it simmer until the lentils are tender. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the flavors and adds a fresh touch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils (green or brown)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups kale or spinach
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
2. Add carrots and cook for a few more minutes.
3. Stir in lentils and vegetable broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
5. Add greens and cook until wilted.
6. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

9) Red Lentil Curry

Red lentil curry is a delicious and easy dish to make. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and can be ready in about 30 to 45 minutes. The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a favorite.

You can customize the recipe by adding spices like cumin and turmeric. These spices not only add flavor but also bring health benefits.

This quick meal is great for busy nights. You can serve it with rice or bread for a complete meal. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free!

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the red lentils under cold water.
2. In a pot, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until soft.
3. Add curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in lentils and vegetable broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Add coconut milk and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro.

10) Lentil Veggie Burgers

Lentil veggie burgers are a tasty and healthy option for a meal. They are packed with protein and flavor, making them perfect for lunch or dinner. You can customize these burgers with your favorite spices and toppings.

To make them, cook lentils until soft. Mix them with diced vegetables and seasonings. Then, form the mixture into patties and cook them on a skillet or grill until golden brown.

These burgers can be served on buns or lettuce wraps. Add your favorite toppings like avocado or salsa for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked lentils
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 3/4 cup oat flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook lentils according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, mix lentils, onion, carrots, oat flour, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Form the mixture into patties.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
5. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until browned.