10 Vegetarian Side Dishes with Lentils

Spiced Lentil Salad with Roasted Vegetables

This vibrant salad combines protein-packed lentils with a medley of roasted vegetables, all enveloped in warm spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green lentils
• 2 cups diced butternut squash
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the butternut squash, bell pepper, and red onion with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes.
3. Cook the lentils in boiling water for 20 minutes until tender, then drain.
4. In a large bowl, combine the roasted vegetables with the cooked lentils.
5. Drizzle with lemon juice, garnish with parsley, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry

Experience a burst of flavors with this rich and creamy coconut lentil curry that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Rinse the lentils and set aside.
2. In a pot, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
3. Add curry powder and turmeric, then stir in coconut milk.
4. Bring to a simmer, add lentils, and cook for 15-20 minutes until lentils are soft.
5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with cilantro, and serve hot.

Lentil and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers

These vibrant stuffed peppers are filled with a lentil and spinach mixture, making them a wholesome and satisfying side dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked green lentils
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
3. In a bowl, combine lentils, spinach, quinoa, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the peppers with the lentil mixture and place in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, sprinkle with feta cheese, and serve warm.

Lentil and Tomato Bruschetta

A fresh twist on a classic, this lentil and tomato bruschetta is both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked green lentils
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Slices of baguette, toasted

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, mix lentils, cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in fresh basil.
3. Spoon the mixture onto toasted baguette slices.
4. Serve immediately as a delightful appetizer or side.

Lentil Ratatouille

Infuse your table with Mediterranean flair with this hearty lentil ratatouille.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked brown lentils
• 1 eggplant, diced
• 2 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper, and cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Add lentils and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Serve warm as a filling side dish.

Lentil and Carrot Fritters

These crispy lentil and carrot fritters are easy to make and packed with flavor, making them a perfect snack or side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked red lentils
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, mix lentils, carrots, egg, flour, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Form mixture into small patties.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Fry patties until golden brown on both sides.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve with your favorite dip.

Herbed Lentil Rice Pilaf

Elevate your meal with this aromatic and fluffy herbed lentil rice pilaf.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1/2 cup cooked green lentils
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh mint for garnish

Cooking method:

1. In a pot, sauté onion in olive oil until translucent.
2. Add rice, oregano, salt, and pepper, and stir to coat the rice with oil.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, and then simmer covered for 15 minutes.
4. Stir in the lentils and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Fluff with a fork, garnish with fresh mint, and serve.

Lentil and Sweet Potato Skillet

This skillet dish combines the earthiness of lentils with the sweetness of potatoes for a comforting side.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked brown lentils
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
2. Add sweet potatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until potatoes are tender.
3. Stir in lentils and cook until heated through.
4. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.

Lemon Garlic Lentil Dip

A zesty and refreshing lentil-based dip that’s perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked green lentils
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

Cooking method:

1. In a food processor, combine lentils, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
2. Process until smooth, adding water if necessary to reach desired consistency.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and serve with pita chips or vegetable crudités.