10+ Lentil One Pot Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Lentils are a fantastic ingredient that can be the star of many one-pot meals. They are not only nutritious but also versatile, making them a perfect choice for quick and easy recipes. You can create hearty dishes that satisfy your hunger and are simple to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.

One-pot lentil recipes allow you to combine flavors without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. These meals typically include lentils, vegetables, and spices, all cooked together to develop rich flavors.

With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy delicious and healthy meals that are both affordable and time-saving.

1) Hearty Veggie Lentil Stew

This Hearty Veggie Lentil Stew is perfect for a cozy meal. It’s packed with nutritious vegetables and thick, satisfying lentils. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a hearty side.

Start by sautéing your favorite veggies like onions, carrots, and celery. Add garlic for extra flavor. Then toss in lentils and vegetable broth, letting everything simmer until the lentils are tender.

Season the stew with herbs and spices like thyme and pepper.

Serve hot, and enjoy the warming goodness of this simple, one-pot meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until soft.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in lentils and vegetable broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
5. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Enjoy!

2) Easy 20-Minute Lentils

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, easy 20-minute lentils are a great choice. They are simple to make and pack a lot of flavor. You can use them as a base for various dishes or enjoy them on their own.

Start by sautéing some onions and garlic in a pot. Then, add your lentils, vegetable broth, and your favorite spices. Let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes until the lentils are tender.

These lentils are healthy, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights. You can serve them with rice or bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in lentils and broth.
4. Add cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
6. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender.

3) Creamy Tomato Lentils

Creamy Tomato Lentils are a comforting dish that’s easy to make in just one pot. You’ll love how the mix of red lentils and tomato sauce creates a rich flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner!

Start by cooking olive oil with garlic and onion for a few minutes. Next, add red lentils, diced tomatoes, and spices. Let it simmer until the lentils are tender.

Finish off the dish by stirring in some dairy-free cream for a creamy texture.

Serve this dish with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Spices (like Italian seasoning or chili flakes)
• 1/2 cup dairy-free cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and onion, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, and broth.
4. Add spices and let simmer for about 20-25 minutes until lentils are soft.
5. Stir in dairy-free cream and serve warm.

4) Spiced Chicken Lentils

Spiced Chicken Lentils is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken and lentils with warming spices. This one-pot recipe is perfect for a cozy meal.

You begin by cooking the chicken with spices like turmeric and cumin. These give the dish a warm flavor, which mixes well with the lentils. Adding vegetables like carrots or spinach boosts nutrition too.

The lentils provide protein and fiber, making this meal hearty and filling. It’s great for a busy weeknight as everything cooks together in one pot.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken, cubed
• 1 cup (200 g) lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in chicken and spices; cook until chicken is browned.
4. Add lentils, carrots, and chicken broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

5) Mexican Lentil Bowl

A Mexican Lentil Bowl is a tasty and healthy choice for any meal. You can make it using common ingredients and spices. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients.

Start with cooking lentils until they are soft. Then, mix in some black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes for extra flavor. Don’t forget to add spices like cumin and chili powder to give it that authentic Mexican taste.

Top your bowl with avocado slices or a sprinkle of cheese. Serve it warm, and enjoy every bite. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner!

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Avocado slices (for topping)
• Cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse lentils and cook in water until soft.
2. In a large pot, combine lentils, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
3. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low heat for about 10 minutes.
5. Serve in bowls and top with avocado and cheese.

6) Indian Green Lentil Dal

Indian Green Lentil Dal is a delicious and healthy dish you can make in one pot. It combines protein-rich green lentils with flavorful spices, making it both hearty and satisfying.

You’ll start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger. Then, add your spices like cumin and turmeric for a warm taste. Mixing in chopped tomatoes brings it all together.

Once your lentils are added, let everything simmer until the lentils are tender. For extra creaminess, you can stir in coconut milk.

This dish goes great with rice or naan for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt to taste
• Fresh spinach or kale (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in a pot until soft.
2. Add cumin and turmeric, stirring well.
3. Mix in the diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the lentils and water (about 3 cups).
5. Cook for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
6. Add coconut milk and spinach or kale, cooking until heated through.
7. Serve warm with rice or naan.

7) Cheesy Mexican Beans & Lentils

Cheesy Mexican Beans and Lentils is a delicious one-pot meal. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients. You won’t miss the meat in this vegetarian dish.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic for a savory base. Then, add lentils, black beans, and rice for a hearty mix. Don’t forget the cheese that melts beautifully throughout.

Season with cumin and chili powder for that authentic Mexican taste. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also comes together in about an hour.

Ingredients

• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup uncooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup rinsed green lentils
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until soft.
2. Add the brown rice, lentils, black beans, and vegetable broth.
3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 50 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted.

8) Smoky Red Lentil Stew

This Smoky Red Lentil Stew is a warm and comforting dish. It combines lentils, vegetables, and spices to create a tasty meal in one pot. You will appreciate how simple it is to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Then, add carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, and your favorite spices. Pour in vegetable broth and let the mixture boil. Once boiling, add red lentils and simmer until everything is cooked through.

This stew is flavorful and rich with nutrients. Enjoy it with some bread or as a stand-alone meal.

Ingredients

• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 3 carrots
• 3 stalks of celery
• 1 sweet potato
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups uncooked red lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
4. Chop and add carrots, celery, and sweet potato.
5. Stir in smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
7. Add red lentils and reduce heat to a simmer.
8. Cook for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender.

9) Coconut Curry Lentil Stew

Coconut Curry Lentil Stew is a delicious and satisfying dish. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The creamy coconut milk adds a rich flavor that blends perfectly with the spices.

You can make this stew in just one pot, which means less cleanup for you! It usually takes around 30 minutes to prepare. This recipe is vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for many diets.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces red lentils
• 1 quart (4 cups) veggie stock
• 2 cans coconut milk
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• Spices (such as curry powder, garlic, and ginger)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the veggie stock and bring it to a boil.
2. Add the red lentils and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the coconut milk and crushed tomatoes.
4. Add your chosen spices and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

10) One-Pot Garlic Herb Lentils

One-Pot Garlic Herb Lentils is a simple dish that bursts with flavor. You will love how easy it is to prepare. This recipe combines lentils, garlic, and fresh herbs all in one pot.

Start by sautéing minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Then, add your rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. You can use either low-sodium or homemade broth for added flavor.

Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cook until the lentils are tender, usually about 20-30 minutes. Stir in your favorite herbs, like parsley or thyme, before serving.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add rinsed lentils and vegetable broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
5. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until tender.
6. Stir in fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper.