10+ Healthy Red Lentil Recipes for Delicious and Nutritious Meals

Red lentils are a fantastic ingredient to include in your meals. They are not only versatile but also packed with nutrients. Healthy red lentil recipes can provide you with delicious and fulfilling meal options.

From soups to salads, red lentils can be used in many creative ways. You can easily prepare dishes that are both comforting and good for you, all while enjoying the rich flavors they offer.

Red Lentil Soup

Red lentil soup is a warm and nourishing dish. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The red lentils give the soup a nice, thick texture, making it filling.

You can start by sautéing some onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil. Once they’re soft, add garlic and spices to enhance the flavor. Next, stir in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth.

Let the soup simmer until the lentils are tender. In about 20 minutes, you can serve it hot. It’s great for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
3. Add garlic and cumin; cook for 1 more minute.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth.
5. Add red lentils, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are tender.

2) Curried Red Lentil Stew

Curried red lentil stew is a delicious and nutritious meal you can enjoy at any time. It’s full of flavor and packed with healthy ingredients.

You start by heating oil in a large pot. Then sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until the onions are transparent. Add spices, tomatoes, lentils, and some liquid, then bring it all to a boil.

After that, cover the pot and let it simmer until the lentils are tender. This dish is satisfying and can be served with rice or bread.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 can tomatoes
• 1 cup red lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh spinach or kale (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon grated ginger for about 5 minutes.
3. Add 1 teaspoon curry powder, 1 can of tomatoes, and 1 cup of red lentils.
4. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3) Red Lentil Veggie Burgers

Red lentil veggie burgers are a tasty and healthy option for your meals. They are easy to make and packed with nutrition. You can enjoy these burgers as a main dish or as part of a sandwich.

To start, cook red lentils until they are soft, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, mash them and mix them with veggies like onion and carrot. Season with spices like cumin and chili powder for extra flavor.

Form the mixture into patties. You can then bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes or cook them in a skillet on medium heat until they are golden brown.

These burgers are not only delicious but also a great source of protein. You can serve them on a bun with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and avocado.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups cooked red lentils
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup grated carrot
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the lentils until soft.
2. Mash the lentils in a bowl.
3. Add onion, carrot, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
4. Form into patties.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes or pan-fry until golden.

4) Red Lentil Dahl

Red Lentil Dahl is a delicious and healthy dish that’s easy to make. This comforting meal is perfect for a cozy night in. You can enjoy it as a curry, stew, or soup.

To start, red lentils cook quickly and are full of protein and fiber. They blend nicely with spices to create a warming flavor. You can eat Dahl with rice or naan for a complete meal.

Adding vegetables like spinach or carrots can boost the nutrition. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) red lentils, rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

5) Red Lentil Salad with Lemon Dressing

This Red Lentil Salad with Lemon Dressing is a refreshing and nutritious dish. It’s packed with flavor and easy to make, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Start by cooking red lentils until they are tender but not mushy. They will take about 15-20 minutes. Rinse and drain them well.

While the lentils are cooking, prepare your lemon dressing. Combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt. This dressing adds a bright and zesty flavor to the salad.

Once the lentils are ready and cooled, mix them with diced cucumbers, red bell peppers, and chopped herbs like parsley or mint. Drizzle the lemon dressing over the salad and toss everything together.

This salad is not only tasty but also very healthy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley or mint, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the red lentils under cold water.
2. Cook lentils in a pot of boiling water for 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain and rinse lentils; let them cool.
4. In a bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
5. In a large bowl, combine lentils, cucumber, red bell pepper, and herbs.
6. Drizzle dressing on the salad, then toss to combine.

6) Smoky Red Lentil Hummus

Smoky Red Lentil Hummus is a delicious twist on traditional hummus. It blends creamy red lentils with smoky flavors, making it a great snack or appetizer.

You can enjoy it with fresh veggies, pita bread, or spread it on sandwiches. The earthy taste pairs well with many dishes.

This hummus is not only tasty but also nutritious. Lentils are high in protein and fiber, making this dip filling and healthy.

Prepare it as a fun party dish or for a quick lunch. You’ll love the vibrant color and rich flavor!

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Lemon juice (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water.
2. Cook lentils in water for 15 minutes or until soft.
3. Drain any excess water.
4. Blend lentils with tahini, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and lemon juice until smooth.
5. Serve with your favorite dippers!

7) Spicy Red Lentil Chili

Spicy red lentil chili is a warm and hearty meal you can enjoy any time. It is easy to make and packed with flavor. This dish combines lentils with various spices to create a comforting bowl of goodness.

To start, you will need red lentils, tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, garlic, and spices like cumin and cayenne pepper. These ingredients come together to make a satisfying chili that is both healthy and delicious.

You can customize the spice level to suit your taste. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper or some hot sauce. The lentils cook quickly, which makes this recipe perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups vegetable broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in bell pepper and continue cooking for a few minutes.
4. Add lentils, tomatoes, broth, and spices.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 15 minutes until lentils are tender.

8) Red Lentil Bolognese

Red Lentil Bolognese is a delicious and hearty vegetarian option. It’s quick to make and full of flavor. Using red lentils, you can create a meal that mimics traditional Bolognese sauce.

To make this dish, start by cooking diced onions, carrots, and mushrooms. This mix adds great texture and taste. Then, stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes.

Don’t forget your seasonings! Adding garlic and spices enhances the flavor even more. Let it simmer until the lentils are tender. This usually takes about 30 minutes.

Serve it over your favorite pasta or enjoy it with crusty bread. You’ll love how satisfying this dish is!

Ingredients

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, diced
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté onions, carrots, and mushrooms until they soften.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes.
4. Add lentils and vegetable broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve.

9) Red Lentil Tacos

Red lentil tacos are a quick and tasty meal that you can whip up in no time. They are full of flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Plus, they are packed with protein, making you feel full and satisfied.

To make red lentil tacos, start by cooking the lentils until they are tender. This usually takes about 20 minutes. You can add spices like chili powder and cumin for that tasty taco flavor.

Once the lentils are ready, mash them slightly for better texture. Then, serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado.

These tacos are great for everyone, whether they are meat lovers or not.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Tortillas
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, avocado

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and drain the lentils.
2. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Saute onion and garlic until soft.
4. Add lentils and spices, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Add water and simmer until lentils are tender.
6. Mash the lentils slightly and serve in warm tortillas with toppings.

10) Red Lentil Curry

Red lentil curry is a delicious and healthy dish you can easily make at home. This vegan and gluten-free recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners. You’ll love how quickly it comes together.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot. Then, add spices like cumin and turmeric for flavor.

Next, stir in the red lentils and some water or vegetable broth. You can use about 3 cups (750 ml) of liquid. Let it simmer until the lentils are tender.

For a creamy touch, add coconut milk near the end of cooking. This adds richness and enhances the flavors. Serve your curry hot over rice, quinoa, or with flatbreads.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can coconut milk
• 3 cups (750 ml) vegetable broth or water
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic.
2. Add cumin and turmeric. Stir for a minute.
3. Then, add lentils and liquid. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are soft.
5. Stir in coconut milk and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Serve with rice or bread.