10+ Lentil One Pot Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals

Lentils are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be the star of any meal. They are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a great choice for various diets. One pot lentil recipes simplify cooking by combining everything in a single pot, helping you save time and clean-up effort while enjoying delicious and hearty dishes.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch option, one pot lentil meals can meet your needs. These recipes often include a mix of vegetables and spices, creating flavors that are satisfying and wholesome.

You can easily tailor them to fit your taste preferences while enjoying the benefits of simple cooking methods.

Spiced Lentil & Tomato Stew

This spiced lentil and tomato stew is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with flavor, it combines lentils with tomatoes and spices, making it a hearty one-pot dish.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need lentils, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices like cumin and chili powder. These ingredients come together in a single pot, keeping your cleanup minimal.

Begin by sautéing chopped onions and garlic until they are soft. Then, add the spices to release their aromas.

Next, stir in the lentils and diced tomatoes, along with vegetable broth.

Let it simmer on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender. If you prefer a little kick, feel free to add some chili pepper.

This stew is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s a great option for meal prep, and you can easily store it in the fridge or freezer for later.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 4 cups vegetable broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté chopped onions and garlic in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add cumin and chili powder; stir for 1 minute.
3. Stir in lentils and diced tomatoes.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Check lentils for tenderness, then serve hot.

2) Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry

Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry is a delicious and easy meal you can prepare in no time. This dish combines rich flavors with healthy ingredients in just one pot.

You will enjoy the warm spices and the creamy texture from coconut milk. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

To make it, you will need lentils, coconut milk, and some veggies. The recipe is simple and can be ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• Salt to taste
• Fresh lemon juice (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add curry powder and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in lentils, coconut milk, and cherry tomatoes.
4. Pour in 1 cup of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
5. Simmer for 35-40 minutes until lentils are soft. Add water if needed.
6. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

3) Greek One-Pot Lentil Soup

Greek One-Pot Lentil Soup, or fakes, is a comforting dish that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. It’s simple to prepare and packed with healthy ingredients. You can enjoy this meal any day of the week.

Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until they’re soft and golden. Then, add garlic for a delicious aroma.

Next, mix in brown lentils and vegetable stock. Remember to avoid red lentils, as they can become mushy.

Stir in tomato paste and let everything simmer to blend the flavors.

This hearty soup is often served with a splash of vinegar and a drizzle of olive oil for extra taste. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vinegar for serving (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add lentils and vegetable stock.
5. Mix in tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
7. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar, if desired.

4) Lentil and Sausage One-Pot

A lentil and sausage one-pot recipe is a warm and hearty meal that’s easy to prepare. This dish combines the rich flavors of sausage with nutritious lentils. You can use Italian sausage for a bit of spice or go for a milder option.

Start by cooking the sausage in a large pot. Break it apart as it browns. Once the sausage is cooked, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Let them soften for a few minutes.

Next, add your lentils, some chicken broth, and spices. You can include red wine for added flavor, too.

Let everything simmer until the lentils are tender. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes.

The result is a comforting one-pot meal that is both filling and packed with protein and fiber. Enjoy it alone or with some crusty bread on the side.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Italian sausage
• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the sausage in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery; cook until soft.
3. Stir in lentils, chicken broth, and red wine.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.

5) Tuscan Lentil and Carrot Stew

Tuscan Lentil and Carrot Stew is a warm and comforting dish. It’s perfect for any day when you want something hearty and healthy.

Start by heating some olive oil in a pot. You’ll want to sauté chopped onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. This usually takes about 5 minutes.

Next, add diced carrots along with your choice of herbs like basil and oregano. Stir everything together, letting the flavors mix.

Then, toss in lentils and vegetable broth, bringing it to a simmer.

Cook until the lentils are tender, which should take around 20 to 25 minutes. You can add salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Enjoy this dish with crusty bread for a full experience!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions and garlic for 5 minutes.
3. Add diced carrots, basil, and oregano; stir.
4. Stir in lentils and broth; bring to a simmer.
5. Cook until lentils are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

6) Lentil and Quinoa One-Pan Delight

This Lentil and Quinoa One-Pan Delight is a simple and wholesome meal. It combines the nutty flavors of quinoa with the earthy taste of lentils. You will also enjoy the added nutrition from fresh vegetables.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pan. Then, add your rinsed lentils and quinoa. You can include chopped carrots and spinach for color and nutrients. Season with your favorite herbs like cumin or thyme for extra flavor.

Pour in vegetable broth and let everything cook together. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal to share with family or friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cups spinach
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Herbs and spices to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté onions and garlic in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add rinsed lentils and quinoa, then stir.
3. Mix in chopped carrots and spinach.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender, about 20-25 minutes.

7) Moroccan Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew

Moroccan Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew is a warm and hearty dish. It’s perfect for chilly nights and packed with flavor. You’ll love the combination of spices and sweet potatoes.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Add spices like cumin and coriander to enhance the flavors. Then, stir in diced sweet potatoes and lentils.

Pour in vegetable broth and let it simmer until everything is tender. The result is a comforting stew that’s both filling and nutritious. It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite veggies.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add the spices and stir for 1 minute.
4. Add sweet potatoes and lentils.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for about 25 minutes.
7. Check if sweet potatoes and lentils are tender, then serve.

8) Spicy Lentil Tikka Masala

Spicy Lentil Tikka Masala is a delicious, hearty dish that you can prepare in one pot. This recipe uses simple ingredients and is full of flavor, making it perfect for a cozy dinner.

You start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in a bit of oil. Then, you add spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala to create a warm aroma.

Next, mix in lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil and then let it simmer until the lentils are tender.

Serve it with rice or naan for a complete meal. It’s a perfect choice for busy evenings when you want something both tasty and nutritious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until soft.
3. Add cumin, coriander, and garam masala; cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in lentils, tomatoes, and broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until lentils are tender.

9) Hearty Lentil and Kale Skillet

This Hearty Lentil and Kale Skillet is a simple and fulfilling dish. You can enjoy the rich flavors of lentils combined with healthy kale, making it perfect for a cozy dinner.

Start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they are softened. Then stir in diced carrots and sweet potatoes, cooking for about five minutes.

Next, add rinsed lentils along with vegetable broth. Cover the skillet and let it simmer until the lentils and vegetables are tender.

Finally, stir in the kale and let it cook until wilted. Then, add a splash of heavy cream and lemon juice to enhance the flavors.

Serve this dish warm, possibly with some crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 sweet potato, diced
• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Juice of 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add carrots and sweet potatoes; cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in lentils and vegetable broth; cover and simmer.
5. Once tender, add kale and cook until wilted.
6. Mix in heavy cream and lemon juice. Serve warm.

10) One-Pan Lentil Mushroom Risotto

One-pan lentil mushroom risotto is a delicious and easy dish to prepare. It combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with hearty lentils for a filling meal.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pan. Then add mushrooms and cook until they are soft.

Next, stir in rinsed lentils and arborio rice, which gives risotto its creamy texture.

Add vegetable broth and seasonings like thyme or rosemary. Then, let everything simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finish your risotto with a splash of lemon juice and a bit of nutritional yeast for added flavor. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Sauté onions and garlic until they become soft.

3. Add mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

4. Stir in lentils and rice.

5. Pour in the vegetable broth and season it.

6. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed.

7. Stir in lemon juice and nutritional yeast before serving.