10+ Lentil Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Lentils are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can fit into many meals. They are great for anyone looking to add more plant-based options to their diet.

You’ll discover that lentil recipes can be both easy to make and delicious to enjoy.

From soups to salads, lentils can be transformed into satisfying dishes that your whole family will love.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping for meal prep, these recipes will offer something for every taste.

1) Dal Palak (Spinach Dal)

Dal Palak, or Spinach Dal, is a delicious and healthy meal. This dish combines lentils with fresh spinach and spices for a comforting experience.

You can enjoy it with rice or bread for a complete meal.

The recipe is simple and packed with nutrients. It provides protein from the lentils and vitamins from the spinach. You can easily adjust the spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils (masoor dal)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (palak)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils and soak for 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pot and add cumin seeds.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
4. Stir in tomatoes and green chilies; cook until soft.
5. Add the soaked lentils and spinach.
6. Pour in water, adding salt to taste.
7. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
8. Stir and serve warm.

2) Lentil Tacos with Avocado Crema

Lentil tacos are a tasty and healthy twist on traditional tacos. You can make the taco filling using seasoned lentils, which provide great flavor and texture.

Adding avocado crema brings creaminess that pairs perfectly with the spices of the tacos. You can top them with crunchy cabbage for an extra bite.

This meal is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. You’ll enjoy making and eating these delicious tacos!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 avocado
• 1 lime (juice)
• ½ cup cilantro leaves
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 cups cabbage (shredded)
• Taco seasoning (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pan, heat cooked lentils with taco seasoning.
2. In a blender, combine avocado, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. Assemble tacos with lentils, avocado crema, and cabbage.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

3) 10-Ingredient Lentil Bolognese

This 10-Ingredient Lentil Bolognese is a tasty and easy meal you can whip up for dinner. It’s hearty and full of flavor, making it a great choice for cozy nights.

You’ll need red lentils, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes for the base. Adding walnuts gives it a wonderful texture. Season with dried oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to enhance the taste. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add a nice tang.

Serve it over your favorite pasta for a complete dish.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until soft.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix in red lentils, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste.
6. Add walnuts and balsamic vinegar if using.
7. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Serve over cooked pasta. Enjoy!

4) Vegan Red Lentil Curry

Vegan red lentil curry is a delicious and comforting meal you can make in about 30 minutes. This dish is creamy, rich, and packed with flavor.

You only need a few ingredients, making it perfect for a quick dinner. Red lentils cook quickly and absorb spices well, giving you a satisfying, nutritious meal.

It’s also versatile; you can adjust the spices to fit your taste. Serve it with rice or naan for a complete and hearty meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pot over medium heat and add onions. Sauté until soft.
2. Add garlic and curry powder. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in red lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, and salt.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro.

5) Red Lentil and Chorizo Stew

Red Lentil and Chorizo Stew is a warm and filling dish. It combines the smoky flavor of chorizo with the soft texture of red lentils. This stew is perfect for chilly days when you want something hearty.

To make this stew, you can start by sautéing onions, garlic, and carrots for added flavor. Then, stir in spices like cumin and paprika. The lentils cook quickly, making this a great option for a weeknight dinner.

It’s not just tasty, but also packed with protein and fiber. You’ll enjoy the rich flavors and comforting warmth it brings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 4 oz chorizo, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the diced chorizo over medium heat until browned.
2. Add chopped onion and carrots; cook until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, and paprika; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the red lentils and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until lentils are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving. Enjoy!

6) Spiced Lentils with Carrots

Spiced lentils with carrots make a warm and satisfying meal. It’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor. This dish provides a nice balance of healthy ingredients.

To start, sauté a chopped onion and garlic until soft. Add grated ginger for a zesty kick. Toss in diced carrots and cook until they begin to soften.

Next, mix in lentils, vegetable broth, and your favorite spices like cumin and paprika. Bring it to a boil and then let it simmer until the lentils are tender.

This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed on its own or with rice.

Ingredients

• 1 yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 4 carrots (about 2 cups chopped)
• 1 cup lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté chopped onion and garlic in a pot until soft.
2. Add grated ginger and diced carrots. Cook for a few minutes.
3. Stir in lentils and vegetable broth.
4. Add spices, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender.

7) Nourishing Lentil Soup with Greens

This lentil soup is a comforting meal packed with nutrients. You can enjoy the rich flavors of lentils combined with fresh greens. It’s simple to make and perfect for any day.

You will need ingredients like lentils, your choice of greens, and flavorful spices. The soup is hearty and full of protein, making it a satisfying option.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups chopped greens (kale, spinach, or Swiss chard)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add lentils and broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.
6. Stir in greens and cook for another 5 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

8) Easy French Lentils with Garlic and Herbs

Easy French lentils are a delicious and simple dish to prepare. You can enjoy them as a hearty side or a main meal. The combination of lentils, garlic, and herbs creates a flavorful experience.

To start, you will need some basic ingredients like lentils, garlic, onions, and herbs. Cooking them slowly enhances their taste and aroma.

These lentils are nutritious and can be paired with a variety of dishes. You can serve them warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 1 cup French lentils
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• Fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

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

9) Hearty One-Pot Lentil Stew

This Hearty One-Pot Lentil Stew is perfect for a comforting meal. It’s vegan and packed with vegetables, making it both nutritious and satisfying. You can easily prepare it all in one pot, saving you time on cleanup.

Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil. Add garlic and your choice of spices to enhance the flavor. Next, include mushrooms for extra texture and taste.

Stir in rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and tomatoes. Let everything simmer until the lentils are tender. You’ll have a delicious and filling stew in no time!

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Spices (such as thyme and bay leaf)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
3. Add garlic and spices; cook for another minute.
4. Stir in lentils, broth, and tomatoes.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

10) Creamy Red Lentil Curry

This Creamy Red Lentil Curry is a quick and tasty dish you can whip up on busy nights. It’s packed with flavor and only takes around 30 to 45 minutes to prepare.

You’ll love how simple the ingredients are. It’s perfect served over rice or with naan.

The creamy texture comes from the red lentils, which cook down beautifully. Add your favorite spices for an extra kick!

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 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 cumin and turmeric; stir for one minute.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth.
5. Add lentils, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
9. Enjoy!