Lentils are an ancient food that has been around since biblical times and they are still a favorite food today. It’s no wonder there are so many reasons to love lentils. They are a rich source of protein, fiber, iron, and folate and are one of the easiest legumes to digest. See Protein and Beyond! Why Lentils Pack the Perfect Nutrient Punch for Plant-Based Eaters to learn more about the health benefits of lentils.
Lentils are super-affordable and are a super-filling choice when Cooking on a Budget. Store lentils in the pantry and they last a long time. Unlike beans, you don’t have to soak lentils. They only take about 15-20 minutes to cook so you can make a delicious dinner quickly. To learn more about basic lentil cookery, check out 10 Delicious Ways to Cook with Lentils.
These little legumes come in a wide variety of types, each with their distinct flavors, textures, and colors. There are green, black, red, brown, orange, yellow, and gold lentils. Lentils have an earthy, meaty flavor that makes them one of the 10 Vegetables that Can Substitute for Meat perfectly. Highly versatile, lentils can be eaten hot or cold, as appetizers, salads, soups, main courses, and even in desserts. For lots of ideas and recipes, see Lentils Are More Than Just for Soup- Here’s How to Use Them Best. If you’re a lentil lover as we are, we have lots more recipes – here are 21 more vegan recipes featuring lentils.
1. Red Lentil and Butternut Squash Burgers
Source:Red Lentils and Butternut Squash Burgers
The combination of lentils and butternut squash gives Becky Cotter‘sRed Lentils and Butternut Squash Burgers a completely different texture than bean burgers. They are soft but keep their shape well. Cayenne and paprika give the sweet burgers balance and a little kick.
2. Chickpea Spinach Stew With Lentils and Quinoa
Source:Chickpea Spinach Stew with Lentils and Quinoa
A one-pot meal with all the protein for the day, Richa Hingle‘s Chickpea Spinach Stew with Lentils and Quinoa is warm and filling. It is made with red lentils and tastes great served with flatbread to help scoop it up.
3. Chili Lime Lentil Tacos With Spicy Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Source:Chili Lime Lentil Tacos
Everyone loves tacos because you can make them in a million different ways. Chrysta Hiser‘sChili Lime Lentil Tacos are awesome on their own, and vegan sour cream or avocados make them even better. But it’s the spicy grilled pineapple salsa that takes these tacos to a whole other level.
4. Red Lentil Curry With Black Tahini and Roasted Cashews
Source:Red Lentil Curry
Judy Moosmueller‘s quick Red Lentil Curry is simply delicious, super easy, and inexpensive to make, plus leftovers are even better. Filled with pumpkin and chickpeas, this curry is topped with black tahini, coconut, and roasted cashews.
5. Hearty Lentil Broccoli Bolognese
Source:Hearty Lentil Broccoli Bolognese Sauce
This Hearty Lentil Broccoli Bolognese Sauceby Renee Press is so tasty, satisfying, and filling. It’s a hearty lentil, walnut, and mushroom-filled tomato sauce blanketing a bed of pasta. Serve over any pasta of choice with a side salad and some toasty bread, perfection!
6. Sloppy Lentils
Source:Sloppy Lentil Joes
To be truly awesome, comfort food should do three things: evoke feelings of nostalgia which is great for your soul, be quick and easy because nostalgia shouldn’t take all night to achieve, and be nourishing to our bodies and souls. Fortunately, these saucy, hearty, and all-around amazing Sloppy Lentil Joesby Jenn Sebestyen do all of these things perfectly.
7. Green Lentil Salad with Spiced Carrots
Source:Green Lentil Salad with Spiced Carrots
Indian cuisine has so many plant-based dishes to choose from and can turn vegetables and legumes into the most delicious dishes by adding colorful spices and herbs. Julie Van den Kerchove‘s Green Lentil Salad with Spiced Carrots is based on a classic French dish but infused with Indian flavors. It makes a perfect light lunch or a tasty side dish.
8. Miso Soup with Garlicky Kale, Lentils, and Mushrooms
Source:Miso Soup with Garlicky Lentils, Kale and Mushrooms
When you need something warm, comforting, and quick to make, Amy Height‘s Miso Soup with Garlicky Lentils, Kale and Mushrooms is the answer. It’s perfectly packed with protein, fiber, and secret hidden veggies. It’s extra-filling and extra satisfying, and particularly awesome to make a batch to eat throughout the week.
9. Masala Lentils: Sabut Masoor
Source:Masala Lentils
If you want to impress someone with a dal, make Richa Hingle‘sMasala Lentils. Don’t be afraid of the number of spices—it is quite simple to make. Serve this as a part of a meal, or with rice, naan, or other flatbread.
10. Kitchari Patties: Spiced Red Lentils and Rice
Source:Kitchari Patties
Kitchari, an Indian spiced legume, and rice porridge, is a special traditional dish. This recipe by Renee Pressgets a makeover into Kitchari Patties. Dressed with a bit of tamarind sauce or hot sauce, they can be served as a snack, lunch, or dinner. Since it contains rice, lentils, and lots of veggies, it is a complete meal that is delicious and satisfying.
11. Foolproof Mega Lentil Burger
Source:Foolproof Mega Lentil Burgers
Are you tired of mushy veggie burgers that fall apart? Are you frustrated with dry veggie burgers that taste like cardboard? Are you broke from buying expensive store-bought burgers with too many ingredients? Then these Foolproof Mega Lentil Burgers by Renee Press are for you. So satisfying and nutritious, they’re made with cooked lentils, brown rice, sweet potato, and onion; so it’s an entire meal in veggie burger form!
12. Mujaddara
Source:Mujaddara
Mujaddara is a hearty ancient dish made with lentils and rice and is so satisfying. The lentils and rice are seasoned with warm spices, and the fried onions get mixed into the dish as well as tossed on top, so you get fried, crunchy goodness throughout. Make this recipe by Rhea Parsons and serve with a yogurt-lemon sauce for a tangy, cool element against the spiciness.
13. Warm Lentil and Brussels Sprout Salad with Roasted Radicchio Wedges
Source:Warm Lentil and Brussels Sprout Salad
What a winning combination — warm lentils, roasted Brussels sprouts, and sweet caramelized radicchio. This Warm Lentil and Brussels Sprout Saladby Kelly Williams has so many savory and comforting flavors. Pomegranate seeds are added for textural contrast and a bite of sweet juiciness that plays well with the strongly flavored sprouts. A sprinkle of pine nuts adds the finishing touch!
14. Lentil Apricot Tapenade With Curry Aioli
Source:Lentil Apricot Tapenade
Amy Height‘s delicious Lentil Apricot Tapenade can be served chunky or smooth. The punch of onion and the sweetness of the apricot, plus the crunch of almonds, dress up this versatile legume beautifully. The vegan curry aioli balances it perfectly.
15. Hearty Black Beluga Lentil Stew
Source:Black Beluga Lentil Stew
Perfect for a chilly evening, Sara B. Allen‘s easy-to-make Black Beluga Lentil Stew combines gravy with meaty wild mushrooms and an array of bright, fresh veggies. Make enough for leftovers because it’s even better the next day!
16. Vegan Lentil Ragout with Mushrooms
Source:Vegan Lentil Ragout with Mushrooms
Traditionally, ragout is a sauce made with meat and served over pasta, otherwise known as Bolognese. Not this one! Hearty lentils and mushrooms come together to make Alejandra Graf‘s Vegan Lentil Ragout with Mushrooms. Sometimes, breaking tradition is a good thing!
17. Crockpot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup
Source:Crockpot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup
Lynn Chen‘s Crockpot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup is perfect for a Sunday meal. Just wake up, buy a bunch of veggies, throw them in the crockpot, and enjoy your day off. By the time you finish the crossword puzzle, you can sit down to a big bowl of warm and comforting soup.
18. Warm Root and Lentil Salad with Turmeric Mustard Dressing
Source:Warm Root and Lentil Salad
Who says salads aren’t satisfying? Alena Grahn‘s Warm Root and Lentil Salad has turnips, beets, carrots, potatoes, and Beluga lentils to keep you filled up deliciously. The turmeric mustard dressing is zingy and amazing.
19. Hearty Lentil, Mushroom, and Barley Mash
Source:Hearty Lentil, Mushroom, and Barley Mash
Bianca Scartabello‘s Hearty Lentil, Mushroom, and Barley Mash is comfort food at its tastiest. It’s incredibly delicious and quick to make. Swap out the barley for quinoa or millet and you have a satisfying meal that’s also gluten-free.
20. French Inspired Creamy Lentil Potato Salad
Source:French Inspired Creamy Lentil Potato Salad
Take a trip to France with Jessica DeMarra‘s French-inspired Creamy Lentil Potato Salad. It contains some delicious vegan French elements such as Puy lentils, spicy Dijon mustard, shallots, asparagus, radishes, and fleur de sel. Fresh, summery, and delicious, this potato salad helps comfort your Wanderlust soul.
21. Almond Curry Lentils
Source:Almond Curry Lentils
If you need a quick weeknight meal that’s satisfying and flavorful, then Ashley Flitter‘s Almond Curry Lentils dish is for you. It’s easy to pull this delicious meal together with just a few ingredients. It will taste like you spent all day in the kitchen; let everyone think so.
Easy, economical, versatile, and satisfying, lentils are a home cook’s best friend. Try these amazing recipes and see why this ancient legume is a modern favorite.
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