10+ Healthy Red Lentil Recipes to Boost Your Wellness

Red lentils are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can enhance your meals. They are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a great choice for any diet. Incorporating healthy red lentil recipes into your cooking can help you enjoy delicious meals while boosting your overall health.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty stew, a flavorful curry, or innovative salads, red lentils can fit into various dishes. With their quick cooking time and ability to absorb flavors, they are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Get ready to explore some exciting and healthy recipes that will make your taste buds happy!

1) One-Pot Red Lentil Curry

One-Pot Red Lentil Curry is a delicious and healthy meal that’s easy to make. You can prepare this comforting dish in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

In this curry, red lentils blend with spices to create a rich flavor. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or add some coconut milk for creaminess.

This recipe is vegan and gluten-free, making it a great choice for everyone. Serve it with rice or bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water.
2. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add curry powder and turmeric; cook for another minute.
4. Stir in lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

2) Quick & Easy Red Lentil Dahl

Red lentil dahl is a great dish that’s both healthy and simple to make. This recipe takes just about 30 minutes and is packed with flavor. You’ll enjoy its creamy texture and delightful taste.

To make this dish, gather a few ingredients. You need red lentils, vegetable broth, coconut milk, and some spices. It’s all cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the spices and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Stir in the broth and coconut milk.
4. Add the red lentils and salt.
5. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender.
6. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

3) Smoky Red Lentil Stew with Greens

This Smoky Red Lentil Stew with Greens is a tasty and healthy meal option. You’ll love how simple it is to make. Packed with vegetables and spices, it’s full of flavor.

The combination of red lentils and greens creates a comforting dish. The smoky flavor adds a nice twist that makes this stew special. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 cups chopped greens (like spinach or kale)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add the carrot and bell pepper, cooking for a few more minutes.
4. Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, and smoked paprika.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
6. Add the greens and cook until wilted.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

4) Red Lentil Bolognese with Fettuccine

Red Lentil Bolognese is a hearty and tasty dish that’s easy to make. Combining red lentils with a rich tomato sauce gives you a wonderful flavor and texture. Pair it with fettuccine for a comforting meal.

To start, cook your fettuccine according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, prepare the Bolognese. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, then add cooked red lentils, crushed tomatoes, and spices.

Simmer everything together for a delightful sauce. Once combined, serve it over the fettuccine. You can sprinkle fresh basil or nutritional yeast on top for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine
• 1 cup (200 g) red lentils
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until soft.
4. Stir in red lentils and crushed tomatoes.
5. Season with salt and pepper; simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Serve the sauce over fettuccine. Enjoy!

5) Warm Red Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese

This warm red lentil salad is a delicious and healthy option for any meal. The combination of lentils and goat cheese creates a satisfying dish full of flavor.

You will need split red lentils and vegetable stock as the base. Fresh herbs like mint and cilantro add brightness, while red onions give it a nice crunch.

To get started, cook the lentils in vegetable stock until tender. Then mix in the fresh herbs and onions before topping with crumbled goat cheese for creaminess.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups split red lentils
• 3 cups vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 red onions, thinly sliced
• Crumbled goat cheese, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils and place them in a pot with vegetable stock.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender (about 20 minutes).
3. Stir in chopped herbs and sliced onions.
4. Serve warm, topped with crumbled goat cheese.

6) Red Lentil Tacos

Red lentil tacos are a healthy and fun twist on traditional tacos. They are easy to make and packed with flavor, making them a great weeknight meal. You can have them ready in about 20 to 30 minutes.

To make these tacos, start by cooking the lentils with some onion, garlic, and taco seasoning. The lentils provide a hearty texture, and you can customize the recipe with your favorite toppings. Try salsa, avocado, or lettuce for extra freshness.

These tacos are not only tasty but also a good source of protein and fiber. They are perfect for a meatless meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ cup dried red lentils, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
• 1 cup vegetable broth or water
• Taco shells or tortillas
• Toppings of choice (salsa, avocado, lettuce)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in the rinsed lentils and taco seasoning.
4. Add vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender (about 15 minutes).
5. Fill taco shells or tortillas with the lentil mixture.
6. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

7) Lentil and Goat Cheese Tartines

Lentil and goat cheese tartines make a tasty and healthy meal. They are easy to prepare and perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Start with toasted bread as your base. Top it with a mix of cooked lentils and crumbled goat cheese. This adds creaminess and a nice flavor.

You can also add a warm spinach salad dressed with tomatoes. It adds a fresh touch and extra nutrients to your meal.

Enjoy these flavorful tartines with your favorite herbs for an extra pop of taste. They are simple, quick to make, and filling.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 4 slices of bread
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast the bread slices.
2. Mix cooked lentils with crumbled goat cheese.
3. Sauté spinach and cherry tomatoes in olive oil.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Top the toasted bread with the lentil mixture and warm spinach salad. Enjoy!

8) Red Lentil Curry with Spinach

Red lentil curry with spinach is a tasty and nutritious dish. The creamy texture comes from coconut milk, while spices add rich flavor. This meal is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.

To begin, gather your ingredients. You will find that cooking red lentils is easy and they cook quickly. The spinach provides added vitamins and minerals, making this curry even better for you.

Here’s what you need:

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add lentils and broth; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Stir in coconut milk and spinach; cook until spinach wilts.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

9) Mediterranean Red Lentil Soup

Mediterranean Red Lentil Soup is a tasty and healthy dish. It’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. The red lentils cook quickly, making this soup perfect for busy days.

You will love the blend of flavors from onions, garlic, and carrots. The spices like cumin and oregano add a nice touch. This soup is warm and filling.

Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also top it with a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 grated garlic cloves
• 2 peeled and diced carrots
• 14 oz (397g) red lentils
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until soft.
3. Stir in the carrots and cook for a few more minutes.
4. Add the red lentils, broth, cumin, and oregano.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Blend if you prefer a smooth texture, or enjoy it chunky.

10) Simple Red Lentil Soup with Harissa

This simple red lentil soup is packed with flavor and warmth. The harissa adds a spicy kick that complements the lentils perfectly. It’s an easy recipe that you can whip up in no time.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Then, add diced carrots and red lentils, along with vegetable broth.

Simmer everything together until the lentils are tender. Finally, blend the soup for a smooth texture.

Serve it hot, topped with a dollop of yogurt and fresh cilantro if you like.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons harissa
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
3. Add carrots and cook for a few minutes.
4. Stir in red lentils, harissa, and broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Blend the soup until smooth.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Enjoy!