12 One-Pot Lentil Dinner Ideas

Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Stew

This warming and satisfying stew is packed with nutrients and flavor, perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sauté until softened.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Spicy Lentil Curry

Embrace the bold flavors of spices with this fiery lentil curry that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking method:

1. In a large pot, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent.
2. Add ginger, garlic, curry powder, turmeric, and cumin, stirring for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes until lentils are soft.
5. Season with salt and garnish with cilantro.

Lemon Lentil Pilaf

This refreshing pilaf combines zesty lemon with earthy lentils to create a light yet fulfilling meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion and bell pepper until softened.
2. Add lentils and stir for a minute.
3. Pour in vegetable broth, lemon juice, and zest.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with basil.

Lentil and Potato Soup

Combining the heartiness of potatoes with protein-rich lentils, this soup is both filling and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking method:

1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion until translucent.
2. Add potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, and oregano.
4. Simmer for 30 minutes or until lentils and potatoes are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with green onions.

Lentil Bolognese

A vegetarian twist on the classic Italian sauce, this lentil bolognese pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for garnish)

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion and carrots until softened.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and basil.
4. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are cooked.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over pasta and garnish with Parmesan if desired.

Lentil and Mushroom Risotto

This creamy risotto brings together the earthy flavors of mushrooms and lentils for a decadent dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup white wine
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme (for garnish)

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot, sauté onion until soft.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until browned.
3. Stir in rice and toast for a minute.
4. Pour in white wine, stirring until absorbed.
5. Gradually add vegetable broth, half a cup at a time, stirring continuously until absorbed and rice is creamy.
6. Add lentils and cook until tender. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with thyme.

Lentil Tacos

A plant-based alternative, these lentil tacos are full of flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Taco shells
• Toppings: lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion until translucent.
2. Add chili powder and cumin, stirring for a minute.
3. Stir in lentils, tomato sauce, and water.
4. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Fill taco shells with lentil mixture and desired toppings.

Lentil and Spinach Shepherd’s Pie

Put a vegetarian twist on a classic comfort food with this hearty and delicious lentil shepherd’s pie.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mashed potatoes for topping

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a pot, heat olive oil, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add lentils, tomatoes, and thyme, cooking until lentils are tender.
4. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer to a baking dish, spread mashed potatoes on top.
6. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Lentil Jambalaya

Enjoy a taste of New Orleans with this lentil jambalaya that's as easy as it is tasty.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions (for garnish)

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft.
2. Add lentils, tomatoes, broth, and Cajun seasoning.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with green onions.

Lentil Stuffed Peppers

These vibrant peppers are filled with seasoned lentils and baked to perfection for a healthy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cheese (optional, for topping)

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a pot, heat olive oil, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add lentils, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and simmer until lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper, fill bell pepper halves with lentil mixture.
5. Arrange in a baking dish, topping with cheese if desired.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.