10+ Lentil Recipes to Try for Easy, Healthy Meals

Lentils are a great choice for meals because they are healthy, affordable, and easy to cook. You can use them in many different dishes, from soups to salads and even tacos.

Lentil recipes offer a simple way to add protein, fiber, and nutrients to your diet without much effort.

No matter your cooking skill level, lentils are forgiving and quick to prepare. You will find recipes that fit busy weeknights as well as more relaxed meals for the weekend.

Exploring lentil dishes can help you enjoy tasty, filling food that feels good for your body.

1) Dal Palak (Spinach Dal)

Dal Palak is a simple and healthy lentil dish made with spinach. It combines cooked lentils with fresh spinach and mild spices for a tasty meal.

You can use toor dal or split red lentils for this dish. The lentils cook until soft, then you add spinach to make the dish creamy and nutritious.

This dish is great served with rice or your choice of bread. The flavors are mild and comforting.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)
• 1/2 cup masoor dal (split red lentils)
• 3 cups water
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse lentils well.
2. Add lentils and water to a pot or Instant Pot. Cook until soft (about 20-25 minutes on the stove or 10 minutes in the Instant Pot).
3. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard and cumin seeds until they pop.
4. Add onion and garlic, sauté until golden.
5. Add turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Stir well.
6. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
7. Mix cooked lentils into the spinach mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Serve hot with rice or bread.

You can find more about Dal Palak at this Dal Palak recipe.

2) Lentil Tacos with Avocado Crema

Lentil tacos are a tasty and healthy twist on traditional tacos. You cook lentils with spices to make a flavorful filling that feels hearty and satisfying.

The avocado crema adds a creamy, fresh touch that balances the spices well. You can top your tacos with crunchy cabbage or slaw for extra texture and zing.

This meal is quick to make, perfect for a busy day when you want something nutritious and easy. The avocado crema sauce is simple, made from ripe avocados, lime juice, and a bit of garlic.

It adds creaminess without sour cream or cheese, making the dish vegan-friendly and light.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms (optional)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 avocado
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 garlic clove
• Corn tortillas
• Shredded cabbage or slaw

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add lentils, mushrooms, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
3. In a blender, combine avocado, lime juice, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
4. Warm the tortillas in a pan or oven.
5. Fill each tortilla with lentil mixture, top with cabbage, and drizzle with avocado crema.

3) 10-Ingredient Lentil Bolognese

This lentil bolognese is a simple and tasty way to enjoy lentils. It uses only 10 ingredients, most of which you probably have in your pantry.

The lentils add a rich, meaty texture without any meat. You’ll cook onions, garlic, and herbs with red lentils to create a deep, savory flavor.

It’s perfect served over pasta or rice. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free.

You can adjust the seasoning to fit your taste, adding more herbs or spices if you like.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 cup dry red lentils
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Stir in oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Add red lentils, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Stir occasionally until lentils are tender and sauce thickens.
7. Serve hot over your favorite pasta or grain.

For more details, you can check this 10-Ingredient Lentil Bolognese.

4) Vegan Red Lentil Curry

You can make a tasty vegan red lentil curry with just one pot. It’s creamy, filling, and mild, making it perfect if you’re new to cooking curry.

The curry cooks quickly, usually in about 30 to 45 minutes. This dish uses red lentils and coconut milk to create a smooth texture.

You’ll add simple spices like turmeric, cumin, and garlic for flavor. It’s great for meal prep because it keeps well and tastes even better the next day.

Try easy recipes like this creamy coconut and red lentil curry from From My Bowl or the one-pot vegan red lentil curry at Jessica in the Kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.
3. Stir in curry powder, turmeric, and cumin for 1 minute.
4. Add red lentils, coconut milk, and broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
6. Simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes until lentils are soft.
7. Season with salt and garnish with cilantro before serving.

5) Red Lentil and Chorizo Stew

Red lentil and chorizo stew is simple and comforting. The smoky flavor of chorizo pairs perfectly with the soft, mild lentils.

This stew has a bright color and a nice, warm spice that makes it great on chilly days. You start by frying onions, carrots, and spices like cumin and paprika to build a deep flavor.

Then you add garlic and the lentils, letting everything cook in a light tomato broth until tender. It’s a filling and protein-packed meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils
• 8 oz chorizo, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and cumin seeds; cook 10 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute more.
4. Add paprika and sugar, stir well.
5. Add chorizo and cook until it releases its oils, about 5 minutes.
6. Pour in broth, tomatoes, and lentils.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 25 minutes until lentils are soft.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve warm.

6) Spiced Lentils with Carrots

Spiced lentils with carrots is a warm, simple dish you can make quickly. The lentils soak up the flavor of spices like cumin, cinnamon, and allspice.

Adding carrots gives the dish a sweet and fresh balance. You cook the lentils until tender, then mix in sautéed onions, garlic, and carrots.

The spices make the dish fragrant and a little spicy. It pairs well with rice or flatbread.

Ingredients

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, chopped (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup dried lentils
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups water or broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse lentils and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
3. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
4. Add carrots and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in cumin, cinnamon, and allspice.
6. Add lentils and water or broth.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
8. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

You can find a detailed guide for this recipe here.

7) Mujadara (Lentils and Rice with Fried Onions)

Mujadara is a simple, tasty dish made from lentils, rice, and crispy fried onions. It’s a popular Middle Eastern meal that you can easily make at home.

The key is to cook the lentils and rice just right and top everything with sweet, caramelized onions. You can use brown, green, or black lentils for this dish.

Adding spices like cumin or coriander gives it a nice, warm flavor. Mujadara is great on its own or served with a side of yogurt or salad.

The crunchy onions on top add delicious texture and a little sweetness that balances the earthiness of the lentils and rice.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup rice, rinsed
• 3 cups water
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine lentils and water in a pot. Bring to a boil and simmer until lentils are halfway cooked, about 10 minutes.

2. Add rice, cumin, coriander, and salt to the pot. Cover and cook on low heat until lentils and rice are tender, about 20 more minutes.

3. While cooking, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook slowly until golden brown and crispy, about 15 minutes.

4. Serve lentils and rice topped with fried onions.

8) French Lentil Salad

French lentil salad is a simple, healthy dish you can enjoy any time. It uses small, firm lentils called Puy lentils.

These lentils keep their shape well and have a slightly peppery taste. You will mix cooked lentils with fresh vegetables like carrots, shallots, and herbs.

A light vinaigrette made with Dijon mustard, vinegar, and olive oil brings the flavors together. You can add goat cheese or walnuts for a richer taste.

This salad works great as a side or a light meal. It’s easy to prepare ahead.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups French green lentils (Le Puy lentils)
• 1 bay leaf
• 5 sprigs thyme
• 1 large carrot, peeled and finely diced
• 1 small red onion or shallot, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: goat cheese, walnuts

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse lentils and place in a pot with bay leaf, thyme, and water.

2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender but firm.

3. Drain lentils and remove bay leaf and thyme stems. Let cool.

4. Mix vinegar, olive oil, and mustard in a bowl.

5. Toss cooled lentils with carrot, onion, and dressing.

6. Season with salt and pepper. Add goat cheese or walnuts if using.

7. Serve warm or chilled.

9) Spicy Miso Lentil Soup

This spicy miso lentil soup is warm and comforting. It combines lentils and miso for a hearty flavor.

The miso adds a salty, umami punch and balances the earthiness of the lentils. You can add fresh baby spinach or other greens to make it more nutritious.

A touch of spice brings gentle heat. This soup is quick and easy to make for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• ¾ cup long-grain white rice
• Salt, to taste
• 6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 1 package)
• 2 tablespoons miso paste
• 1 tablespoon chili paste or powder (adjust to taste)
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse lentils and rice under cold water.

2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.

3. Add lentils, rice, and broth to the pot.

4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25-30 minutes.

5. Stir in miso paste and chili paste.

6. Add spinach and cook for 3 more minutes.

7. Season with salt to taste. Serve hot.

See more details in the Spicy Miso Lentil Soup Recipe.

10) Lentil Soup Potpie

This lentil soup potpie combines the cozy flavors of lentil soup with a crispy potpie crust. It has carrots, celery, onions, and tender lentils simmered in a savory broth.

The potpie crust on top adds a golden crunch. You can serve it for dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Heat olive oil in a pot.
   Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they become soft.

3. Add lentils and vegetable broth.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 30-40 minutes until the lentils become tender.

4. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Pour the lentil soup into a baking dish.

6. Cover with puff pastry and trim the edges.
   Poke holes in the pastry to vent.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry turns golden brown.

8. Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.