20+ Lentil Recipes (easy meals) - The Plant Based School (2024)

If you’re looking for the best lentil recipes, you’ve come to the right place. These 20+ lentil meals areeasyto make,packed with fiber,andwith simple ingredients.

From hearty soups to vibrant salads, these recipes show the potential of lentils to transform into mouthwatering dinners and mealprep-friendly lunch ideas.

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Lentils come in various sizes and colors: black, fiery red, earthy brown, vibrant green, and warm yellow.

These lentil varieties offer distinct flavors and textures:

  1. Red lentils, swift to cook and tender in texture, infuse dishes with a mild sweetness.
  2. Brown lentils, robust and earthy, stand firm in hearty stews and soups.
  3. Green lentils bring a slightly peppery taste, pairing exquisitely with salads.
  4. Yellow lentils radiate a gentle flavor, excellent for creamy curries and dahl.
  5. Black lentils, or beluga lentils, work well in salads, soups, stews, and curries.

Whichever shade you choose, lentils add wholesome richness and plant–based protein to your meals.

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Let’s explore how to cook nourishing and tasty meals with this versatile legume.

Lentil recipes video

Our Best Lentil Recipes

1. Lentil curry

Our first lentil recipe is a creamy and rich lentil curry, a favorite dinner recipe in our home. It’s ready in 30 minutes using split red lentils and pairs with most veggies.

Serve your curry with white rice and lemon wedges; dinner is ready.

2. Lentil bolognese

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This rich and earthy lentil bolognese is an excellent sauce for spaghetti, lasagna, and linguine pasta.

It’s plant-based, made with green or brown lentils, and a restaurantworthy meal with authentic Italian flavor.

3. Lentil tabbouleh salad

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This lentil tabbouleh salad is a refreshing starter or side dish with added plantbased protein.

Serve as is with pita bread and hummus, and enjoy a wholesome Middle-Eastern side dish.

4. Easy lentil pasta

This Italian lentil pasta is perfect for a tasty, easyeveryday dinnerand one-pot meal.

We use green or brown lentils to make a rich, wholesome, and satiating pasta dish. Our tip: freeze the leftovers or eat them the day after – this pasta is even more flavourful after a couple of days.

5. Curry lentil soup

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In this comforting bowl of curry lentil soup, aromatic spices take center stage and enhance the earthy richness of the lentils with turmeric, curry, and cumin.

These golden spices add a vibrant color and bring antiinflammatory benefits, creating a hearty and wholesome soup that nourishes the body and soul.

6. Sweet potato and lentil salad

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Sweet potato cubes are perfect in this colorful sweet potato lentil salad. Have it forlunch, a make-ahead dinner, or bring it topotlucksandpicnics.

This is one of our favorite ways of eating canned lentils, a crowdpleaser and family favorite.

7. Carrot salad with lentils

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Our carrot lentil saladis a delicious and aromatic recipe withtender boiled carrots,fragrant ground cumin, canned lentils, and other simple ingredients.

It’s a perfect lunch idea for school or the office and stores in the fridge in the fridge for 3-4 days.

8. Lentil soup with leafy greens

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This lentil soup is perfect as an everydaydinner and amakeaheadmeal,as you can store it for up to 4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

It’s made with green lentils and a onepot method; serve it with a slice of toasted bread for a balanced protein-packed dinner.

9. Lentil hummus

Creamy, velvety smooth, and ready in 5 minutes.

Try this easy and creamy lentil dip if you’re looking for a dip with yourappetizeror vary your hummus routine.

10. Stuffed zucchini boats

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These lentil zucchini boats fall without doubt into thehealthy comfort foodcategory.

They are nutritious, easy to make, and packed withwholesome plant-based protein.

11. Red lentil soup

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This hearty and tomato-rich red lentil soup is our winter weeknight favorite.

Red lentils cook in 1520 minutes, making this soup ready in 30 minutes.

12. Lentil and rice ‘Mujaddara’

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Lentil, rice, and onion Mujaddarais a deliciousMiddle-Eastern dish seasoned withspicesandcaramelized onions.

Serve it as a wholesome dinner with a tahini yogurt sauce and green salad.

13. Lentil vegetable soup

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This spinach lentil soup iswholesome,hearty, and with a beautifulherby flavor.

The lentils make the dish nutritious and fulfilling, withtexture,protein,iron, and heart andgut-healthy fiber. Make a big batchof the soup and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days for busy weeknights.

14. Mushroom lentil Wellington

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If you’re looking for a tasty vegetarian centerpiecewith lentils, this is our choice: lentil mushroom Wellington.

We make it with vegetables and walnuts, and It’s a guaranteedcrowd-pleaser when served with a creamy mushroom gravy and a side of green beans.

15. Stuffed bell peppers

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Next on our list is stuffed bell peppers withlentils,rice,freshherbs, caramelized onions, andfragrantspices.

The aromatic filling absorbs the juice of the bell peppers, and the combination offlavors and texturesmakes this recipe an irresistible vegetarian dinner.

16. Moroccan lentil soup

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Moroccan lentil soupis a tasty, creamy, and satisfying recipe you can serve as a main course withpita bread and flatbread, topped withquick pickled red onionsand a dollop ofyogurt sauce.

It’s easy to make in one pot, and its texture and consistency arerustic, thick, and creamy, almost like alentil stew.

17. Lentil chili

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Lentil and bean chiliis a tasty andwholesome one-pot mealwhere green or brown lentils replace the ground meat in classic chili con carne.

It’s ahearty, satisfying, and high-protein mealthat is easy to make with pantry staples and is excellent for meal prep.

18. Turkish lentil soup

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Our Turkish red lentil soup iseasy to make in 30 minutes and one pot.

It has asmooth, creamy, comforting textureand a warm and soothing flavor, with ahint oftanginessfrom the fresh lemon juice.

19. Vegetarian lentil loaf

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This vegetarian recipe islovely for special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas. You canprep most of it in a loaf pan and bake it shortly before serving it.

The lentil loaf slices beautifully; it has a rich, earthy flavor and a slightly chewy and almost meaty texture – perfect for meatless meals and family dinners.

20. Harira soup

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Harira soup is atraditional Moroccan mealwith lentils, chickpeas, and a rich and flavorful broth with warm spices, herbs, and tomatoes.

It’s a nourishing and fulfilling Mediterranean mealwith over 20 grams ofhealthy, high-quality plant proteinper small bowl

21. Cauliflower lentil salad

This cauliflower lentil salad is a light and refreshing way of eating lentils.

Roasted cauliflower makes the vegetable base, and we add canned lentils and drizzle with our creamy cumin dressing.

22. Stuffed butternut squash

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This dish looks spectacular, and you can serve it at the center of the table becauseit is a protein-rich main dish.

You’ll love this recipe becauseit combines the sweet notesof the roasted butternut squash with the savory and meaty lentil filling.

Do lentils have protein?

Yes, lentils are an excellent source of protein.

They contain about 18-25% protein by weight, making them a valuable plantbased protein source.

Including lentils in your diet can help meet your protein needs and offer additional nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

In conclusion, lentils offer a rich and “meatyalternative to animalbased protein. They can help you cook various meatless meals and high-protein vegetarian dishes.

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More legume-packed recipes

If you’re looking to incorporate more fiber-rich legumes into your diet, take a peek at thesevibrant plant-based recipes:

  • Cauliflower saladwith chickpeas for a boost of plant-based energy to keep you full all day long
  • Mediterranean farro salad with roasted veggies, chickpeas, and pistachios
  • Chickpea pasta salad: a quick and easy lunch idea ready in 25 minutes!
  • Black bean salad: Inspired byMexican flavors, this recipe is perfect for making ahead and eating for aquick and nutritious lunch or bringingpotlucks and picnics.
  • Italian bean stew with authentic Italian flavor, pinto beans, and tomato sauce

Salads

Cauliflower Salad

30-Min Meals

Chana Saag (Chickpea Spinach Curry)

Salads

Black Bean Salad

Salads

Farro Salad

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20+ Best Lentil Recipes: Lentil Curry

By: Nico Pallotta

5 from 12 votes

Lentil curry is one of our best lentil recipes as it’s easy to make, it can be frozen for those lazy weeknights, and it’s full of flavor, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian, International

Pin Print

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 inch ginger (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • teaspoon chili flakes
  • ½ teaspoon coriander (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 cup split red lentils or de-hulled red lentils
  • 1 small can (15 ounce) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 small can (13.5 ounce) coconut milk full fat or reduced fat

Serving suggestions

  • 4 wedges lemon
  • 1 handful cilantro or flat leaf parsley
  • 4 tablespoons unsweetened dairy-free yogurt optional
  • 2 cups basmati rice

Instructions

  • To a pot add the oil and chopped onion. Gently fry the onion for 3 minutes, then add grated garlic and grated ginger and fry gently for another minute.

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  • Turn the heat to low, then add the spices: 2teaspoonscurry powder, 1teaspooncumin, ⅓teaspoonchili flakes, ½teaspooncoriander, 1teaspoonturmeric powder, 1teaspoongaram masala, ½teaspoonpepper.

    Toast the spices while stirring on low heat for a short minute.

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  • Add vegetable stock, rinsed red lentils, crushed tomatoes, salt, stir and cook for about 20 minutes, or till the lentils are almost cooked.

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  • Add the coconut milk, stir well, and finish cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes, till the curry is thicker and creamier, and the red lentils are fully cooked.

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  • Serve the lentil curry on basmati rice with a generous squeeze of lemon juice, freshly chopped cilantro (or flat-leaf parsley) and optionally a spoonful of unsweetened plant based yogurt.

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Video

Lentil Recipes

Notes

To reduce the calories in this meal you can make the curry without oil, with reduced-fat coconut milk, serve it with less rice, or just eat a smaller portion.

Nutrition

Calories: 733kcal, Carbohydrates: 124g, Protein: 21g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Potassium: 945mg, Dietary Fiber: 18g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 619IU, Vitamin B6: 1mg, Vitamin C: 15mg, Vitamin E: 3mg, Vitamin K: 17µg, Calcium: 110mg, Folate: 245µg, Iron: 7mg, Manganese: 2mg, Magnesium: 111mg, Zinc: 4mg

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below or mention @theplantbasedschool on Instagram. We are also on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and TikTok.

More plant-based recipe ideas:

Collections

40 Easy Meatless Meals

Recipes

45 Easy Vegetarian Dinner Recipes

Mains

30 High Protein Vegetarian Meals

Collections

35 Chickpea Recipes (easy meals)

Categorized as:
30-Min Meals, Collections, Mains, Recipes

20+ Lentil Recipes (easy meals) - The Plant Based School (40)

Hi! We are Nico & Louise

Welcome to The Plant-Based School, a food blog with easy, tasty, and wholesome recipes.

Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients.

Easy right?

More About US

6 Comments

  1. For some reason any Lentil recipe that’s not soup is not good. I’ve tried several stews ragouts lentils cooked with meat and veggies. A waste.
    I’ll just stick to my long time favorite. Lentil Soup made w choice of meat or vegetarian, greens of choice and broth .
    My experience has been I end up hungry.

    Reply

  2. Any substitute for the coconut ? Thank you

    Reply

    1. Hi Eileen,

      Yes indeed – here are some suggestions:

      1. Substitute low-fat coconut milk if you are on a low-fat diet.

      2. Substitute heavy cream or a non-dairy heavy cream for coconut milk.

      3. To make the curry without coconut milk, I recommend increasing the amount of vegetable broth and reducing the amount of spices, or else their flavor will be overpowering.

      I hope this helps! Kindest,

      Louise

      Reply

  3. Love the recipe!!

    Reply

    1. Fantastic!, I’m so happy you like it 🙂

      Reply

  4. Looks very well balanced tasty meals

    Reply

20+ Lentil Recipes (easy meals) - The Plant Based School (2024)

FAQs

What goes well with lentils for dinner? ›

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.

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.

How long does it take to cook lentils? ›

Bring to a boil, cover tightly, reduce heat and simmer until they are tender. For whole lentils, cook time is typically 15-20 minutes. For split red lentils, cook time is typically only about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to season with salt after cooking – if salt is added before, the lentils will become tough.

What are the most versatile lentils? ›

brown lentils

The brown lentil is like your favorite pair of jeans—comfortable, versatile, and always in style. It's the favorite that everyone loves and uses most. Brown lentils are bigger than other lentil types, hold their shape well during cooking, and provide a nutty, earthy flavor.

What's the healthiest way to eat lentils? ›

Lentils are a nutritious food that's low-fat and high in protein and fiber. While they make a delicious addition to a soup, stew or salad, you should not eat them raw. No matter which type of lentils you buy, you can easily cook them by boiling your lentils in water on the stove.

Is it OK to eat beans and lentils everyday? ›

Lentils, like some fruits and vegetables, contain fiber that's difficult for your body to break down. It also helps produce good bacteria in your gut. But too much can cause cramping and gas. To minimize these symptoms, Homan recommends gradually increasing your fiber intake.

What to pair with lentils for complete protein? ›

The combination of wheat or rice with beans or lentils is referred to as complementary because they create a nutritionally complete protein.

What makes lentils taste better? ›

Favorite Lentil Recipes

I toss them with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes to make a nutritious side dish or base for plant-based bowls. They keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, so they're one of my favorite proteins to meal prep and keep on hand in the fridge.

Which lentils are healthiest? ›

Best of all, black lentils are the most nutritious variety of lentils, boasting the highest amount of protein, plus high levels of calcium, potassium, and iron.

Do you have to rinse lentils before cooking? ›

How to prepare lentils. Lentils do not require it but can be soaked in order to reduce cooking time by about half. Before cooking, rinse lentils in cold water, pick over to remove debris or shrivelled lentils, then drain.

How much does 1 cup of lentils make? ›

As a general rule, one cup of dried lentils yields two to two-and-a-half cups of cooked lentils. Because of their rather delicate, earthy flavor, lentils work well in a variety of dishes and in almost any type of cuisine.

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.

What is the king of lentils? ›

At some point, move up to beluga lentils, which are black and look like caviar. They require an extra step (outlined below), but it's not that hard. Dal Makhani is the king of dal, which might make it the king of all foods.

Which country eats the most lentils? ›

In India, where roughly half of the world's lentils are consumed, cultivation dates back to 2500 B.C. Today, more than 50 different varieties are grown. Nearly every traditional Indian meal includes at least one lentil dish, and they are an important source of nutrients for millions of vegetarians on the subcontinent.

What is the companion crop of lentil? ›

Lentils and buckwheat are great companion plants as well as nitrogen fixers and soil improvers. Plant lentils with potatoes, cucumbers, and/or summer savory. Avoid planting lentils with onions or garlic. Lentils grow on sparsely branched vines from 18 to 24 inches tall.

Are lentils good for your bowels? ›

A 1/2-cup serving of boiled lentils contains an impressive 7.8 g of fiber. Eating lentils may also help increase the production of butyric acid, a type of short-chain fatty acid found in your colon. This could increase the movement of your digestive tract to promote bowel movements.

What to eat with lentils for weight loss? ›

A lentil and vegetable soup, topped with chopped avocado, is one of my favorite post-exercise go-tos. Other delicious options include: a gingery vegetable and salmon stir fry, served over a bed of lentils; a veggie, lentil, and herb omelet; or a savoury lentil stuffed pepper.

How do you bulk up meals with lentils? ›

"Legumes, such as lentils and beans, are a great option. You can use them either dry or tinned — whichever you prefer," she says. Adding a tin of lentils to your soup or bolognaise sauce, for example, might create another serve or two while adding extra protein and fibre.

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