25 Best Lentil Recipes

Spiced Lentil Soup

This warming and aromatic Spiced Lentil Soup is a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
2. Stir in cumin, coriander, and turmeric, cooking for another minute.
3. Add lentils and vegetable broth, bringing to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender.
5. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice before serving.

Lentil and Mushroom Shepherd's Pie

A hearty Lentil and Mushroom Shepherd's Pie is a delightful plant-based twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups mushrooms, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lentils until tender, about 20 minutes, and set aside.
3. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft, then add mushrooms and cook until browned.
4. Stir in tomato paste and thyme, then mix with cooked lentils.
5. Transfer to a baking dish, spread mashed potatoes on top, and bake for 25 minutes.

Crispy Lentil Fritters

These Crispy Lentil Fritters are a great appetizer or snack, packed with flavor and crunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried yellow lentils
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• Oil, for frying

Cooking method:

1. Soak lentils for 2 hours, then drain and blend into a thick batter.
2. Mix in flour, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt.
3. Heat oil in a pan and drop spoonfuls of batter, frying until golden brown.

Lentil and Vegetable Stir-fry

Quick and colorful, this Lentil and Vegetable Stir-fry is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Cooking method:

1. Heat sesame oil in a wok and stir-fry bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots until tender-crisp.
2. Add cooked lentils and soy sauce, mixing well.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Lentil Bolognese

A rich and savory Lentil Bolognese offers a nutritious alternative to the classic meat sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown lentils
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Pasta of choice

Cooking method:

1. Cook lentils until tender, about 20 minutes.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until golden.
3. Add lentils, tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper, simmering for 15 minutes.
4. Serve over cooked pasta.

Lentil and Spinach Salad

Refreshing and nutritious, this Lentil and Spinach Salad makes a perfect light meal or side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, spinach, red onion, and feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss well.

Coconut Curry Lentils

Rich and creamy Coconut Curry Lentils bring a taste of the tropics to your table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion and ginger until fragrant.
2. Stir in curry powder and cook for another minute.
3. Add lentils and coconut milk, simmering for 20 minutes until creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew

This comforting Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew is both hearty and nutritious, perfect for a filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 sweet potatoes, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add sweet potatoes, lentils, and vegetable broth.
3. Stir in thyme and simmer for 30 minutes until tender.

Lentil Tacos

These flavorful Lentil Tacos offer a delicious and nutritious twist on the traditional taco.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup chopped lettuce
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese

Cooking method:

1. Mix cooked lentils with taco seasoning.
2. Heat tortillas and fill with seasoned lentils, lettuce, salsa, and cheese before serving.

Lentil Stuffed Peppers

These vibrant Lentil Stuffed Peppers are filled with a savory lentil mixture, making a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté onion in olive oil until soft, then add lentils, quinoa, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff pepper halves with the mixture and bake for 30 minutes.