10+ Lentil Side Dish Recipes to Delight Your Dinner Table

Lentils are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in many side dishes. They offer a great way to add protein and fiber to your meals. Whether you are looking for something simple and quick or a more flavorful option, there are plenty of lentil side dish recipes that cater to your taste.

These recipes can be easily adapted to fit any diet or preference, making them a fantastic choice for any home cook. From classic styles to modern twists, lentil side dishes can brighten up your dinner table while keeping things healthy and satisfying.

1) French Lentil Ragout

French Lentil Ragout is a delicious way to enjoy lentils. It uses Puy lentils, which have a rich flavor and hold their shape well during cooking. You will mix these lentils with fresh herbs and vegetables for a tasty side dish.

To make this dish, start by sautéing aromatics like onion, garlic, and celery. After they soften, add your lentils and stock. Let everything simmer until the lentils are tender and absorb all the flavors.

You can enjoy this ragout warm or at room temperature. It’s great with roast meats or as a vegetarian option.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Puy lentils
• 1/2 onion, finely diced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 thyme sprig
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and celery in a pot until soft.
2. Add Puy lentils and stock.
3. Stir in bay leaf and thyme.
4. Simmer for about 25-30 minutes, until lentils are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper.

2) Brown Lentils with Fresh Thyme

Brown lentils are a wonderful side dish. They have a mild flavor that pairs well with fresh herbs, especially thyme. This dish is easy to prepare and makes a great addition to any meal.

To start, rinse one cup of brown lentils under cold water. In a pot, combine the lentils with four cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer.

Add two teaspoons of fresh thyme to the pot. Cook the lentils for about 20 to 25 minutes until they are tender. Be sure to check occasionally and stir.

Once cooked, drain any excess water and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can serve this dish warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown lentils
• 4 cups water
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse the brown lentils under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine lentils, water, and a pinch of salt.
3. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer.
4. Add fresh thyme.
5. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes until tender.
6. Drain excess water and season with salt and pepper.

3) Lentil Salad with Bell Peppers

This lentil salad is a great side dish. You can enjoy the fresh taste of bell peppers mixed with healthy lentils. It’s colorful and full of flavor.

To make it, you will need cooked lentils, diced bell peppers, cucumbers, and some fresh herbs like parsley. A simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice brings everything together.

This salad is perfect for lunch or as a side for dinner. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 large bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, diced bell pepper, cucumber, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge before serving.

4) Lentil, Broccoli and Rice Stew

Lentil, broccoli, and rice stew is a nutritious and filling dish. It combines tender lentils, vibrant broccoli, and wholesome rice for a comforting meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or as a side for any main course.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic for flavor. Then, add in the lentils and broth. As it simmers, the lentils will become soft, and the flavors will blend beautifully.

Once the lentils are nearly cooked, stir in fresh or frozen broccoli and cooked rice. Let everything heat through until the broccoli is tender. This stew is easy to make and is great for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils (any variety)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
2. Add lentils and vegetable broth, then bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
4. Stir in broccoli and cooked rice.
5. Cook until the broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes.

5) Spiced Lentils with Polenta

Spiced lentils with polenta make a hearty and comforting dish. The lentils are packed with flavor and pair perfectly with creamy polenta. This dish is both filling and nutritious.

To make this meal, start by cooking the lentils in a mixture of spices. You can add paprika, cumin, and garlic for a robust flavor. Cook the polenta separately until it’s creamy and smooth.

Once both components are ready, spoon the lentils over a bed of polenta. This combo is sure to please everyone at your table.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup polenta
• 4 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils and add them to a pot with vegetable broth.
2. Stir in paprika, cumin, and minced garlic.
3. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender.
4. In another pot, bring water to a boil and whisk in polenta.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened, stirring frequently.
6. Season polenta with salt and pepper.
7. Serve lentils over the polenta. Enjoy!

6) Red Lentils with Ginger and Garlic

Red lentils with ginger and garlic make a tasty side dish. This recipe is simple and quick. The combination of spices adds great flavor to the lentils.

You will need fresh ginger, garlic, and some spices. These ingredients complement the red lentils well.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the red lentils under cold water.
2. In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add ginger and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
4. Stir in cumin and cook for another minute.
5. Add lentils and broth. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until lentils are soft.
7. Stir in lemon juice and salt before serving.

7) Simple Braised French Lentils

Simple braised French lentils make a delicious and healthy side dish. They are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. You can enjoy them alongside meats or on their own.

Start by rinsing one cup of French lentils under cold water. In a pot, sauté diced onion, celery, and carrot until soft. Add the rinsed lentils, thyme, and vegetable stock.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can serve them warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 1 cup French lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse lentils under cold water.
2. Sauté onion, celery, and carrot in a pot until soft.
3. Add lentils, thyme, and vegetable stock to the pot.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

8) Lentils with Onion and Carrot

Lentils with onion and carrot is a simple and tasty side dish. It combines wholesome lentils with the sweetness of caramelized onions and carrots. This dish is perfect for pairing with various main meals.

Start by sautéing onions in olive oil until they are soft. Then, add diced carrots and cook until they begin to soften. Rinse your lentils, add them to the mixture, and cover with water or broth.

Let everything simmer until the lentils are tender. You can season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. This dish is packed with flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups water or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onions until soft.
3. Add the diced carrots and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Rinse the lentils and add them to the pot.
5. Pour in water or broth and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until lentils are tender.

9) Lentils with Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Lentils with mashed sweet potatoes is a delicious and filling side dish. The creaminess of the sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the heartiness of the lentils. This dish not only tastes great but is also packed with nutrients.

To make this side, start with cooked lentils. You can use green or brown lentils. Boil them until they’re tender, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes.

Next, prepare your sweet potatoes. Peel and dice them before boiling. Cook until soft, about 15-20 minutes. Then, mash them with a bit of butter, salt, and pepper.

Combine the lentils and mashed sweet potatoes in a bowl. Mix well and enjoy a wholesome side dish that complements many main courses.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils (cooked)
• 2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook lentils in water for 20-25 minutes until tender.
2. Boil sweet potatoes in water for 15-20 minutes until soft.
3. Drain sweet potatoes and mash with butter, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix lentils with mashed sweet potatoes in a bowl. Serve warm.

10) Vegetable Broth Lentils

Vegetable broth lentils are a simple and tasty side dish. They are packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a great addition to any meal.

Using vegetable broth adds a depth of taste that water alone cannot provide.

To prepare this dish, start with dried lentils. You can use green or brown lentils, both of which work well.

Cook the lentils in vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor.

The cooking process is easy and involves simmering the lentils until they are tender. You can also add your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the taste.

Ingredients

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

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water.
2. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until they become soft.
3. Add lentils and vegetable broth to the pot.
4. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils become tender.
5. Season the lentils with salt and pepper before serving.