10+ Lentil Recipes to Savor and Enjoy

Lentils are a nutritious and versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes. They are rich in protein and fiber, making them a great choice for meals that are both healthy and satisfying.

Whether you want to enjoy a cozy soup, a flavorful stew, or a hearty salad, there’s a lentil recipe out there for you.

In this article, you’ll discover a variety of delicious lentil recipes that are easy to make. These recipes will not only help you enjoy the benefits of lentils but also add exciting flavors to your meals.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create tasty dishes that everyone will love.

1) Dal Palak (Spinach Dal)

Dal Palak, also known as Spinach Dal, is a comforting and nutritious dish. It combines lentils with fresh spinach and spices, making it both healthy and delicious.

You can serve this dish with rice or bread for a complete meal.

To make Dal Palak, you’ll need to use a mix of spices to enhance the flavors. This dish is simple and can be prepared quickly, perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils (moong dal or masoor dal)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (palak), chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils thoroughly and soak them for 20 minutes.
2. In a pot, heat oil or ghee over medium heat.
3. Add cumin seeds and allow them to crackle.
4. Sauté onions until golden brown.
5. Stir in tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until soft.
6. Add the soaked lentils and water. Bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender, about 20 minutes.
8. Mix in the chopped spinach and cook for another 5 minutes.
9. Add salt to taste before serving. Enjoy!

2) Lentil Tacos with Avocado Crema

Lentil tacos are a tasty and healthy meal you can whip up quickly. Using lentils gives you protein and fiber, while avocado crema adds creaminess and flavor. You’ll enjoy these simple ingredients that pack a punch.

To make the taco filling, cook seasoned lentils with spices until they’re tender. You can add chopped mushrooms for extra texture.

For the avocado crema, blend ripe avocados with lime juice and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Serve the lentil mixture in taco shells, top with the avocado crema, and add your favorite toppings like salsa or fresh veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 cup chopped mushrooms
• 2 ripe avocados
• Juice of 2 limes
• Salt to taste
• Taco shells
• Optional toppings: salsa, chopped veggies

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils and cook them in water until tender (about 20 minutes).
2. Sauté mushrooms in a pan until soft.
3. In a blender, combine avocados, lime juice, and salt until smooth.
4. Fill taco shells with lentil mixture.
5. Top with avocado crema and any other toppings you like.

3) 10-Ingredient Lentil Bolognese

You can make a delicious and hearty lentil bolognese using just ten simple ingredients. It’s a perfect option for a cozy pasta night.

Start with red lentils, which cook quickly and provide a great texture. You’ll also need tomato paste and crushed tomatoes for that rich sauce flavor. Adding walnuts brings in a lovely nutty crunch.

For seasoning, gather dried oregano, thyme, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. If you like, you can include red wine for extra depth.

Finally, don’t forget olive oil, onion, garlic, and some salt and pepper!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup red wine (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Add red lentils, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste, mixing well.
5. Pour in balsamic vinegar and red wine if using.
6. Simmer for about 20 minutes until lentils are tender.
7. Stir in chopped walnuts just before serving.

4) Vegan Red Lentil Curry

Vegan red lentil curry is a delicious and easy meal you can make in under 30 minutes. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. This dish is perfect for meal prep or as a cozy dinner option.

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this curry. Red lentils cook quickly and become soft and hearty. The addition of coconut milk gives it a rich and creamy texture.

You can enjoy this curry on its own or serve it with rice or bread. It makes a warm and satisfying meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in curry powder and mix well.
4. Add red lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until lentils are tender.
6. Season with salt and serve warm.

5) Red Lentil and Chorizo Stew

Red lentil and chorizo stew is a warm, hearty dish that’s full of flavor. This stew combines the earthy taste of lentils with the smoky flavor of chorizo. It’s a great meal for chilly days.

You’ll start by sautéing vegetables like onions and carrots. Then, add in garlic and spices for extra taste. The chorizo adds a nice kick, making this stew exciting to eat.

Once everything is mixed, let it simmer until the lentils are tender. You can serve it with bread or rice for a complete meal. Enjoy this cozy dish that feels like a hug in a bowl!

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 chorizo sausages, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté the onions and carrots in a pot until soft.
2. Add garlic, cumin, and paprika; cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the chorizo and cook until browned.
4. Add lentils and vegetable broth.
5. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

6) Spiced Lentils with Carrots

Spiced lentils with carrots is a warm and tasty dish perfect for any day. This recipe combines the earthiness of lentils with the sweetness of carrots, making it both healthy and delicious.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need lentils, carrots, onion, garlic, ginger, and some spices like cumin and coriander. Olive oil helps bring it all together.

When you’re ready to cook, begin by sautéing the onion until it’s soft. Add in the garlic and ginger for extra flavor. Then, stir in the lentils and diced carrots. Season everything with your spices.

Cover with water or broth and simmer until the lentils are tender. Enjoy this dish warm, and feel free to add some fresh herbs on top for a burst of flavor.

Ingredients

• Lentils
• Carrots
• Onion
• Garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Olive oil
• Spices (cumin, coriander)

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté chopped onion in olive oil until soft.
2. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Stir in lentils and chopped carrots.
4. Season with cumin and coriander.
5. Cover with water or broth and simmer until lentils are tender.

7) Hearty Lentil Soup with Greens

This hearty lentil soup is a perfect meal for any day. You’ll love how the lentils combine with fresh greens and vegetables to create something warm and filling.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic for flavor. Then, add your lentils and broth, letting everything simmer until the lentils are tender.

Toss in some leafy greens near the end for a fresh touch.

Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices. A squeeze of lemon can brighten the flavor too!

Ingredients

• 1 cup green lentils
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh greens (like spinach or kale)
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
3. Add lentils, broth, and carrots.
4. Simmer for 25-30 minutes.
5. Stir in greens and cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice before serving.

8) One-Pot Red Lentil Curry

One-Pot Red Lentil Curry is a delicious and easy dish that you can make any day of the week. It combines the goodness of red lentils with rich spices for a comforting meal.

You can prepare this curry in under an hour. It’s perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed on its own or with rice or bread.

The best part is that it only requires a few simple ingredients. You’ll love how quick and satisfying this recipe is!

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
3. Add curry powder and stir for a minute.
4. Mix in lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
6. Season with salt and serve warm.

9) Mediterranean Lentil Stew

Mediterranean lentil stew is a filling and nutritious dish. It combines lentils with vegetables and spices for great flavor. This stew is perfect for any season.

You can cook it easily in a slow cooker or on the stove.

Fresh ingredients like carrots, potatoes, and spinach add important nutrients. Meanwhile, spices like cumin and coriander enhance the taste.

This hearty meal is vegan and suitable for everyone. You can enjoy it with crusty bread or over rice for extra goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 potato, diced
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat some oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add carrots and potatoes, cooking for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the lentils, broth, and spices. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Add spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

10) French Lentils with Garlic and Herbs

French lentils are tasty and easy to make. They have a nice texture and absorb flavors well. You will enjoy them cooked with garlic and herbs for a savory dish.

To start, you can combine lentils with diced carrots, onions, and celery. Adding garlic and herbs will enhance the taste.

Use a cheesecloth sachet to keep the garlic and herbs together for easy removal.

Simmer the lentils in vegetable or chicken stock for extra flavor. This dish pairs nicely with vegetables or can be served as a side for meat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup French lentils
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 3 garlic cloves
• Fresh thyme or bay leaves
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils in cold water.
2. In a large pot, combine lentils, carrot, onion, and celery.
3. Tie garlic and herbs in cheesecloth and add to pot.
4. Pour in stock and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
6. Remove the cheesecloth, and add salt to taste before serving.