Did you know that one cup of lentils contains more protein by volume than any other bean or legume? That’s a whopping 18 grams of protein per cup! Whether you’re looking for vegan or vegetarian lentil recipes, hearty lentil mains, the best lentil soup recipe, an easy lentil salad, or a simple lentil side dish, we’ve got you covered!
35+ Must-Try Lentil Recipes
A collection of our best 35+ lentil recipes from around the globe!
Our Most Popular Lentil Recipes
Wondering where to start? Here are our top 5 lentil recipes- all with hundreds of 5-star ⭐️ reader reviews. Pick one to try tonight!
Table of Contents
- 35+ Must-Try Lentil Recipes
- Our Most Popular Lentil Recipes
- Hearty Main Dishes with Lentils
- Vegetarian Lentil Recipes
- Lentil Soups and Stews
- Lentil Side Dishes
- Lentil Salad Recipes
- What are the health benefits of Lentils?
- More Favorite recipe Collections
- Lentil Bolognese | 60-sec Video!
- How to Cook Lentils (The easy way)
The Many Types of Lentils
There are so many different types of lentils, in all sizes and colors!
- Brown Lentils: These are the most common type of lentils with a mild flavor and firm texture. They hold their shape well when cooked and are versatile for soups, stews, salads, and side dishes.
- Green Lentils: Similar to brown lentils, green lentils have a slightly peppery flavor and retain their shape after cooking. They are great for salads and hearty dishes like lentil soups or casseroles.
- Red Lentils: These lentils cook quickly and have a soft texture when cooked, making them perfect for soups, stews, curries, and dals. Red lentils have a mild flavor and are often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
- French Lentils (Puy Lentils): These lentils have a dark green or blue-gray color and a nutty flavor. They hold their shape when cooked and are often used in salads, side dishes, and as a base for vegetarian main courses.
- Black Lentils (Beluga Lentils): These small, shiny lentils resemble caviar and have a rich, earthy flavor. They hold their shape well when cooked and are popular in salads, lentil soups, and lentil-based veggie burgers.
- Yellow Lentils (Split Peas): Although technically not lentils, yellow lentils, also known as split peas, are commonly used in cooking. They have a mild, sweet flavor and are often used in soups, stews, and dal recipes.
How to Cook Lentils (The Easy Way)
My favorite way to cook lentils is on the stovetop, because it’s easiest to gauge how long to cook them. Because they vary in size, cooking times can vary significantly! We use the stovetop pasta cooking method for the best results, eliminating the guesswork.
- Rinse the lentils: Place the lentils in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse them under cold water to remove any debris or impurities.
- Cook the lentils: In a medium-sized pot, combine 1 cup of lentils with 3 cups of water or vegetable broth, salt, and pinch of black pepper and a bay leaf. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer with a lid on until the lentils are tender. This will range in time, depending on the type and size, from 10 to 30 minutes. Cook until tender, yet they still hold their shape (al dente). You can check for doneness by taste-testing a few lentils. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
- Season the lentils: Once the lentils are cooked, you can drain them off if you like, add a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of red pepper flakes, a squeeze of lemon juice, and fresh herbs like fresh parsley, dill, or basil.
Instant Pot Instructions
If you are using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, typically, you would use a 1:2 ratio of lentils to water or broth and cook them at high pressure for about 7-10 minutes (depending on their size), with a natural pressure release.
Storing Your Cooked Lentils
Leftover lentils will keep up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can also be placed in the freezer for up to 4 months. I like to make a big batch and freeze in smaller portions for easy weeknight dinners.
Hearty Main Dishes with Lentils
Roasted Salmon with Braised French Lentils
Roasted Salmon with Lemon and Thyme served over Braised French Green Lentils– a simple healthy weeknight dinner recipe!
Ethiopian Lentils & chicken
One of the most popular lentil dinner recipes on the blog, Berbere Chicken and Ethiopian Lentils is a flavorful, comforting Ethiopian meal that features Berbere Spice, this delicious lentil recipe is easily one of our favorites!
Lentil Dal (Emerald Dal)
Emerald Dal is one of the most delicious, luscious lentil dishes! This version is made with black lentils and packed with spinach, making it especially high in nutrients and flavor! Rich, fragrant, and packed with protein, think of this Lentil Dal – like Saag Paneer, but substituting lentils instead of cheese! A super tasty, healthy lentil recipe that is vegan-adaptable!
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks w/ Black Lentils
This lentil dinner is full of so much flavor! Cauliflower Steaks are treated with Romesco Sauce ingredients and then served over a bed of simply seasoned black caviar lentils.
Indian Shepherd’s Pie with Lentils
This lentil recipe is cozy and warming! Indian-Shepherd’s Pie with black or brown lentils, veggies and fragrant Garam Masala, topped with curry mashed potatoes. Truly one of the BEST lentil recipes on the blog!
Vegan Lentil Meatloaf
This hearty Vegan Meatloaf is full of flavor and succulent texture. Lentils and quinoa pack it with plant protein, delivering a wholesome and satisfying meal. Gluten-free
Red Lentil Dal
Soulful, Comforting Red Lentil Dal with Sweet Potatoes and a flavorful “tempering oil”. A quick 30-minute meal that is simple to make and full of fragrant Indian spices.
Moroccan Lentil with Seared Ahi
Seared Ahi with Moroccan Lentils – Cumin & Fennel crusted Ahi is served over Moroccan Lentils with roasted baby carrots, fresh herbs and yogurt drizzle. Spectacular flavors!
Vegetarian Lentil Recipes
Lentil Bolognese
Rich and robust, this is one of my favorite lentil recipes on the blog! This Lentil Bolognese is hearty, “meaty” and full of depth and flavor without any meat. Toss it with your favorite pasta, or spoon it over creamy polenta– either way, this simple nourishing lentil recipe is one the whole family will enjoy.
Lentil Pot Pie with Butternut Squash and Kale
One of our most loved lentil dishes, full of delicious fall flavors. This Vegan Pot Pie is made with roasted butternut squash, black lentils and kale, topped with a golden puff pastry crust. A hearty one-pan lentil dinner!
Lentil Meatballs
This lentil recipe won “best vegan recipe” on Food 52 and honestly, we couldn’t be any prouder! It’s one of those lentil dinner recipes, you’ll want to make on repeat. Vegan Lentil Meatballs with Coconut Curry Sauce are totally plant-based and 100% delicious!
Coconut Lentil Curry
This lentil recipe is quick, easy and comforting! Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry can be made in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. Infused with fragrant Indian spices, this recipe is not only delicious, it is is vegan and gluten-free!
Mujadra
Instant Pot Mujadara – a comforting, healthy vegetarian meal of lentils and rice, with fragrant Moroccan spices, served with caramelized shallots, fresh veggies, pine nuts and optional yogurt. Gluten-free and Vegan adaptable.
Lentil Cakes
These vegan Lentil Cakes are made with walnuts and mushrooms and topped with flavorful Zhoug yogurt. Healthy and flavorful this lentil recipe is hearty and full of flavor.
Warm LentilS with Blistered Tomatoes and Kale
Lentils with Blistered Tomatoes and Kale– a simple vegetarian lentil recipe seasoned with Middle Eastern spices & topped with feta. Healthy, tasty!
Lentil Bowls
Vegan Lentil Bowls with Tahini Dressing loaded up with seasonal veggies, greens, sprouts, almonds, avocado, fresh mint, and the best tahini sauce! Vegan and GF
Sprouted Lentil Burgers
Sprouted Lentil Burgers– these healthy guys are GRILLABLE, vegan and gluten-free adaptable. Here they are topped with pickled beets. A healthy delicious recipe, great for meal prep!
Lentils with Beets, Chard and Goat cheese
Warm Lentils with wilted chard, roasted beets, goat cheese, and spring herbs. A simple tasty vegetarian meal!
Lentil Wraps with Tahini Sauce
Spicy Tahini Lentil Wrap with avocado, carrots, cabbage, and the tastiest Sriracha Tahini Sauce. Vegan and Delicious!
Lentil Soups and Stews
Harira (Moroccan Lentil and Chickpea Soup)
Moroccan Lentil and Chickpea Soup (aka Harira) is hearty, full of protein and loaded with nutrients. Warming fragrant spices make this healthy one-pot meal deeply flavorful! Vegan and Gluten-Free adaptable.
Lentil Sausage Soup
This hearty, comforting Lentil Sausage Soup is made lighter with turkey sausage! Packed with rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, its clean, healthy, and loaded with protein.
Lentil Chili
This lentil chili is packed with nutrients and comforting flavor and is perfect for fall, from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings. It saves well, and leftovers taste even better! Vegan-adaptable.
Middle Eastern Lentil Soup
This Middle Eastern-style lentil Soup can be made in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. It’s vegan, gluten-free and infused with Middle Eastern Spices!
Mulligatawny Soup
Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup is so creamy and richly satisfying with bright and spicy flavors. This vegan adaptable version is delicious as is or can easily be built upon by adding chicken, or more veggies and basmati rice. An easy and fast weeknight meal!
Lentil Mushroom Stew
This recipe for Mushroom Lentil Stew with Fennel and Sage is earthy, hearty and richly spiced. Delicious and vegan!
Red Lentil Quinoa Soup
This Moroccan Red Lentil Quinoa Soup is made with simple, humble ingredients, yet is packed full of delicious flavor! Make this in an Instant Pot or stovetop.
Beet and Lentil Soup
Healing Lentil Beet Soup -a simple healing vegan soup, packed full of antioxidants that aid the liver in healing our bodies. Vegan and GF.
Lentil Side Dishes
Braised French Lentils
Braised French Lentils are easy to make and pair with practically everything! So much flavor!
Beet Braised Lentils
Simple, delicious, Braised Lentils with Beets – a healthy vegan stew or soup, topped with optional goat cheese, that can be served on its own, or as a side dish to fish, chicken, or meat. Vegan, adaptable, and Gluten-free!
Lentil Salad Recipes
Thai Lentil Quinoa Salad
This bright and cheery Lentil Quinoa Salad is packed with Thai flavor! Crunchy veggies and fragrant herbs in a tangy Thai Dressing. Vegan & gluten-free.
Meditteranian Lentil Salad
This Mediterranean-inspired lentil salad recipe is bursting with flavor! Cold and refreshing, it’s made with simple ingredients in 30 minutes!
Lentil Spinach and Beet Salad
Beet, Lentil and Spinach Salad with Pomegranate Dressing, topped with maple walnuts and crumbled goat cheese.
Lentil Tabouli Salad
This Lentil Tabouli Salad is infused with Middle Eastern flavors and can be made ahead. Filling lentils are paired with summer tomatoes, lemon, mint and parsley, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil and a unique combination of Lebanese spices!
Lentil Salad with Celery and Dates
Celery Salad with lentils, dates and almonds – a delicious, make-ahead lentil salad recipe that keeps for several days in the fridge. Keep it vegan or add shaved pecorino!
Moroccan Lentil Salad
A delicious Lentil Salad infused with Moroccan Spices, this healthy vegan lentil salad can be made ahead and keeps for 4 days, perfect for healthy midweek lunches!
Spring Lentil Salad
Springy Lentil Salad with Spring Veggies, Mint and Yogurt Sauce -a delicious, healthy, Greek-inspired lentil salad recipe! Vegan adaptable and Gluten-Free!
Lentil Pomegranate Salad
Lentil Pomegranate Salad (aka Palouse Caviar) A take on Texas Caviar, this Vegan Lentil Dip (or Salad) aka Palouse Caviar is made with black caviar lentils, pomegranate, avocado, lime. Served it with corn chips for a festive, healthy, vegan GF appetizer or over greens for a hearty vegan salad!
Lentil Apple Salad
Lentil Salad with apples, walnuts, celery root and a delicious, toasted Cumin Seed Dressing. This healthy vegan salad can be made ahead for midweek lunches or potlucks and gatherings.
What are the health benefits of Lentils?
Lentils offer numerous health benefits, but here are the most important!
- High in Plant-Based Protein: Lentils provide 18 grams of protein per cup, an excellent protein option for vegetarians and vegans. They contain all essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source.
- High in Fiber: Lentils contain 16 grams of dietary fiber per cup, including both soluble and insoluble fiber. This fiber content supports the microbiome and also promotes a feeling of fullness, which can support weight management. They act as a binder, helping to remove toxins and cholesterol from the body.
- Packed with Nutrients: Lentils are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. They are also a good source of antioxidants.
- In addition to these benefits, lentils also have a low glycemic index, which means they have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels.
More Favorite recipe Collections
- 33+ Best Cauliflower Recipes
- 20+ Delicious Cabbage Recipes
- 20 Best Quinoa Recipes
- Our 20 Best Chickpea Recipes!
- Plant-Based Reset!
- 40 Easy Healthy Dinner Ideas
- 25 Delicious Vegan Buddha Bowls!
Lentil Bolognese | 60-sec Video!
How to Cook Lentils (The easy way)
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2.5 cups
- Category: lentils, lentil recipes
- Method: stovetop, instant pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Cooking lentils is simple and can be done on the stovetop, in a pressure cooker, or in an Instant Pot. Here’s a basic stovetop method, which I prefer the most, because you can easily gauge how tender they are. Use the pasta cooking method!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry lentils (any type will work here)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils: Place the lentils in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse them under cold water to remove any debris or impurities.
- Cook the lentils: In a medium-sized pot, combine 1 cup of lentils with 3 cups of water or broth, salt and a bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the lentils are tender. This will range in time, depending on the type and size, from 10 to 30 minutes. Cook until tender, yet where they still hold their shape (al dente). You can check for doneness by tasting a few lentils. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
- Season the lentils: Once the lentils are cooked, you can drain them if you like, and season with pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil, or any other desired spices or herbs.
Notes
- Storage: Cooked lentils can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze them in the freezer for up to 4 months.
- Tip: Batch cook lentils and freeze in smaller portions for easy midweek meals. Such a lifesaver!
- Variations: Feel free to add chopped onions, garlic, or vegetables to the cooking liquid, for added flavor.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the type and size of lentils you are using, so it’s always a good idea to check the packaging instructions for specific cooking times.
- If you are using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, you can follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking lentils. Typically, you would use a 1:2 ratio of lentils to water or broth and cook them at high pressure for about 8-10 minutes (depending on their size), with a natural pressure release.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup lentils
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3.2 g
- Sodium: 628.1 mg
- Fat: 18.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 15.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 29.8 g
- Fiber: 16
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 5.1 mg
The lentil Tabouli salad was OUTSTANDING!!! I love the mint! It gave it a nice summer fresh taste.
Thank you for posting!!
Oh my gosh! I cannot wait to make some of these! They look great and I’m always looking for ways to turn lentils into deliciousness. Thank you!
Love all the options with lentils. A favorite food that I would like to make more often.
Middle Eastern Lentil Soup is simply nutritious, delicious and oh so satisfying! Thankfully this recipe included substitutions : I didn’t have the black lentils but i did have the split lentils and I don’t have a pressure cooker so I cooked it on the stove top just like the instructions said and it turned out really delicious and yes creamy!! We enjoyed it very much with some chili flakes for some kick. I will definitely be making this one again soon. Thanks for the recipe!!
Indian shepherd’s pie with lentils….amazing!!
Thanks so much!
Looking forward to trying these recipes – especially the Moroccan lentil salad, and Indian lentil balls. Thank you for the kitchen inspiration!
Gracias…
Un aporte maravilloso.
the.emily.boyer@gmail.com
I made your lentils, with celery, dates and almonds salad today. Yummy. I already had a dressing of honey, fennel salt, orange juice, orange zest and olive oil on hand. It worked!
Thank you for sharing all these lovely recipes!
You’ve elevated the humble lentil to new heights. I adore your recipes, especially since I am WFPB so these are very much appreciated. I plan on making the lentil meatballs asap.
What a gift your blog and recipes have been! We’re happily working our way through as many as possible, and your emerald dal is divine. Thanks for sharing your gift with us!
You are so king, thanks Susan.
Delicious. So many new lentil recipes to try.
Haven’t tried any of these yet, but can’t wait! I just discovered that I actually like them and have been looking for some new recipes, so thank you! I love all your other ones that I’ve tried.
This is amazing – thank you! I just got a big batch of orange, brown, and green lentils, so I am really looking forward to testing some of these recipes. I’m especially excited about the Berbere chicken and Ethiopian lentils!
Lentils must be trending because they are currently unavailable for me, but I look forward to trying these recipes when I can track some down.
Oh really?? Interesting!
Love the recipes on this blog and the emerald dal is the latest favourite!!
Thank you for delicious recipes and beautiful photos!!!
Tried the emerald lentils and the tabouleh. Lovely. Thanks for all the inspiration.
Thank you so much for these wonderful recipes, and for offering vegan options on so many of your recipes!
These all look so yum!!
My favourite lentil recipe is Dhal. It is also one of my favourite dishes!
Some great lentil recipes here. I really like the red lentil Dahl and sweet potato. I agree that roasting the veg before adding adds that extra flavour, love it with some roasted cauliflower too.
Thanks for your delicious recipes.
I’ve made the lentil cakes before and loved them! I think I’ll try the celery salad with lentils, dates and almonds next!
These lentil recipes look incredible! I can’t wait to try them! Thank you for posting them! ❤
I grew up in Europe and remember eating lentil salad as the first course of school cafeteria lunches, believe it or not! I can’t wait to try your lentil salad and dal recipes, Sylvia. The photos are gorgeous!