21 Best Lentil Recipes (2024)

We have for you 21 delicious lentil recipes that are vegetarian, wholesome, and probably the best ways to eat lentils every day. These recipes are easy to follow, budget-friendly, and require a few basic pantry staples.

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About Lentils…

Lentils and legumes are a great source of vegan, gluten-free plant-based protein. What else I love about lentils? They are inexpensive, easy to store, fulfilling, and highly versatile ingredient.

I am listing 21 Best Lentil Recipes that will teach you how to eat lentil deliciously.

Lentil Salads, Soups & Stew:

Instant Pot Lentil Soup (Mulligatawny)

Mulligatawny Soup is classic gluten-free, vegan, one-pot creamy lentil soup. It has lentils, rice, vegetables, spices, and my favorite coconut milk. All these fulfilling ingredients make this 10 minute instant pot soup a perfect weeknight dinner.

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Mediterranean Style Lentil Salad

Lentil Salad is the best way to eat lentils with a lot of veggies, greens, herbs soaked in a flavorsome dressing. It is a wholesome, nutritious, fulfilling salad perfect for the summer season.

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Lentil Waffles

These vegan waffles are no ordinary waffles, I addedred lentilsto give them some protein boost. Intrigued enough to read further?

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Red Lentil Tortilla Soup

We all love easy, healthyDump & Start Red Lentil Tortilla Soup isn’t it! This Tex Mex Red Lentil Tortilla Soup is ready in minutes in yourInstant Pot / Pressure Cooker.

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Gluten-Free Lentil Cutlet

Gluten-Free Masoor Dal Cutlet Recipe is a satiating party appetizer or teatime snack with a crisp exterior and soft kebab like texture underneath. Serve these cutlets with the dip of your choice.

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Red Lentil Carrot Soup

This red lentil and carrot soup is an easy and delicious dairy-free soup that is perfect for a chilly winter day. It’s incredibly easy to make, made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and comes together in just about 30 minutes!

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Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Stew

This is an instant pot-friendly, vegan lentil stew recipe. It has lentils, seasonal veggies, and all things comforting you need in a perfect one-pot meal.

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Instant Pot Ethiopian Lentil Stew

Misir Wot is a healthy, protein-packed Ethiopian stew made with lentils, and a flavorful spice mix called Berbere. This EASY Instant Pot recipe is quick to make and served with rice makes a complete meal.

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Lentil Falafel

Made with lentils instead of chickpeas, this lentil falafel isn’t your average falafel and makes for a great addition to salads and sandwiches.

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Lentil Curry & Main Course:

Dal Makhani

Dal Makhani is the hearty, creamy, mildly flavored Indian dal recipe. It’s buttery texture simply melts in the mouth. Hence, it is just perfect to dip naan or serve as a main-dish with jeera rice.

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Lentil Rogan Josh

This vegetarian rogan josh is packed with wholesome ingredients – it’s healthy comfort food for chilly days. This aubergine curry is vegetarian/ vegan and a great way to satisfy a curry craving.

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Red Lentil Curry

Quick and easy Red Lentil Curry, also known as Masoor Dal, made in the instant pot and stovetop. This super delicious, healthy and budget-friendly vegan meal can be made in less than 30 minutes!

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Oats Lentil Porridge

Oats Khichdi is an Indian style oats porridge packed with vegetables and yellow moong dal. It’s a fabulous vegetarian one-pot casserole meal cooked in a pressure.

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Instant Pot Lentil Chilli

Lentil Chilli is so chunky and hearty, even meat-lovers will be pleased. Thanks to a combination of beans, lentils and butternut squash, this vegetarian chili recipe will rival any meat-based chili out there.

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Lentil Ragu Bolognese

Spaghetti with lentil sauce, sometimes called lentil bolognese or lentil ragu, is a hearty, traditional dish from Italy. Nutritious and packed with protein, it is great for vegetarians, vegans and anyone who loves Italian food.

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Lentil Shepherd Pie

This vegan shepherd’s pie ispacked with plant-based proteinand incredible flavors!It’s so easy to make, and ready in under an hour. Serve this for special occasions, a wintery dinner, or pack it for lunch. Great for meal prep, and suitable for freezing.

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Red Lentil Tacos

his easyRed Lentil Tacos Recipeis the perfect weeknight meatless meal that the whole family will love! An easy Vegetarian Taco Meat is ready to eat in under 30 minutes, making it a simple, quick, and healthy meal.

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Spinach Chana Dal

Spinach Chana Dal is a healthy, wholesome, gluten-free Indian style chana dal with spinach. It is super easy and quick to prepare in a pressure cooker.

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Madras Lentils

Madras Lentils is a delicious and satisfying vegetarian dish from Northern India. Full of bold flavors from ginger, cumin, chili powder, and more, this plant-based dish is easy to make and perfect for weeknights!

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Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry

This easy to make Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry is a healthy vegan recipe that makes a perfect meatless Monday dinner recipe.It takes less than an hour (mostly hands-off time) to make and is packed full of delicious Indian flavors.

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Indian Lentil Khichdi

Dal Khichdiis an Indianstyle lentil and rice one-pot, gluten-free dish. Khichdi is wholesome, fulfilling and a comforting vegetarian Indian food recipe.Dal Khichdilaced with ghee and served with pickle, sliced onions, and raita is an absolute family favorite lunch.

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21 Best Lentil Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What makes lentils taste better? ›

If you don't have stock on hand, add onion, carrots, celery, garlic cloves and/or herbs to the pot. All of these are mild flavors that can jump in any direction depending on how you're going to use the cooked lentils.

What happens if you don't rinse lentils? ›

While not rinsing lentils may not pose an immediate safety risk, it is generally recommended to rinse them before cooking to ensure a cleaner and more enjoyable meal. If you have already cooked the soup, you can still enjoy it, but be mindful of any potential debris or grit that may be present.

How do I get the most out of my lentils? ›

Lentils aren't rice—they don't need to absorb every last drop of cooking liquid. They're more like pasta: best cooked in an abundance of water or stock. Bring your liquid up to a boil, add your lentils, then turn down your heat to a simmer for at least 25-30 minutes.

What pairs well with lentils? ›

If you have a few root vegetables hanging out in your fridge, those are also great with lentils, like in this warm lentil and root vegetable salad with parsnips and carrots. Lentils are particularly nice with cheese, as in this grilled halloumi and lentil salad.

What can I add to lentils to reduce gas? ›

Cumin seeds or ground cumin helps with digestion and is perfect in a soup, curry or dal (lentil dish). Carom seeds, fennel seeds, turmeric and peppermint are other great digestive aids. Cooking beans with a large strip of dried kombu, a Japanese dried kelp, may minimise their gas-producing properties too.

Should you soak lentils before eating? ›

Yes, soaking lentils activates a substance called amylase, which breaks down complex starch in lentils, making it easier to digest. Also, the soaking process gets rid of all gas-causing compounds, thereby stimulating the digestion process.

Why are there stones in lentils? ›

This is due to the harvesting process, which can gather small debris surrounding the plants, and those bits accidentally pass through the farmers' separating devices. Due to their small size — especially lentils — it's hard for machines to sift out all the debris.

Can you overcook lentils? ›

Yes, you can overcook lentils; they will become mushy. Much depends on the type of lentil you're using. Some cook quicker and hold their shape better than others. To avoid overcooking them, always follow the cooking directions in your recipe and use the type of lentils called for in the ingredient list.

Do red lentils cause gas? ›

Lentils are classified as grain legumes, also known as pulses. This means that the part we eat is the seed, which is high in fiber and protein. If you eat fiber-rich lentils regularly, they can cause gas and bloating.

What are the tastiest lentils? ›

Black Beluga lentils have the most flavor, adding a rich, earthy taste and a firm texture that holds up well during cooking.

What to eat with lentils for complete protein? ›

Alternatively, a full complement of amino acids can be achieved by pairing lentils with whole grains such as rice or wheat. Lentils are also a great source of fiber, vitamin B1 and folic acid, and are naturally gluten-free.

Are lentils vegetables or grains? ›

Therefore, beans, peas, and lentils are also considered part of the vegetable group. Individuals can count beans, peas, and lentils as either a vegetable or a protein food. Beans include varieties such as kidney beans, pinto beans, white beans, black beans, lima beans, and fava beans.

What meat to pair with lentils? ›

But if meat is still on the table for you, pair lentils with fats like duck and pork (think bacon) to add a bit of richness to this mild-flavored legume. Whether you're trying a meatless meal or making a hearty stew, lentils are a go-to pantry staple that deserve to come out of the pantry to shine this winter.

How do you fix bland lentils? ›

Follow this tip: Add a few cloves of garlic, a bay leaf, a spring of rosemary, half of an onion, or a combination of these aromatics to the cooking water or stock to help flavor the lentils.

How do you fix bland lentil soup? ›

Taste and season with more salt, pepper and/or lemon juice until the flavors really sing. For spicier soup, add another pinch or two of red pepper flakes. Serve while hot.

What are the pros cons of lentils? ›

Lentils are a nutritious food choice, low in fat and high in protein and fiber. However, for some people, these legumes may be bad due to the following reasons: When eaten raw, lentils and other legumes are dangerous because all beans, including lentils, contain lectins that can elicit unpleasant reactions.

How do you make lentils easier on your stomach? ›

You can buy dried lentils and soak them in water overnight prior to cooking. This is believed to make lentils easier to digest and therefore less likely to cause gas. Sprouted lentils may also be easier to digest.

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