If you’re looking for delicious and nutritious meal ideas that are perfect for chilly days, you’ve come to the right place! As a bonus, we’ll share 18 mouth-watering lentil recipes that will surely satisfy your taste buds and provide a boost of nutrition.
From hearty stews to comforting soups, lentils can be incorporated into a variety of dishes. These legumes are not only rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals but also offer an eco-friendly way of consuming food due to their low water requirements compared to other protein sources.
Moroccan Lentil Quinoa Soup
Indulge in the rich flavors of Morocco with this hearty quinoa lentil soup, crafted with red lentils that will satisfy your taste buds’ cravings. This vegan-friendly recipe leverages everyday pantry staples, making it effortlessly accessible. Additionally, the flexibility to cook this delectable soup in under 30 minutes using an Instant Pot or slow-cooker ensures a quick and satisfying meal option. The blend of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, chili powder, and vegetable broth (or chicken broth for an alternative) infuses the dish with an authentic Moroccan flair.
Hearty Lentil Stew
Indulge in a satisfying and nutritious lentil stew that’s packed with an array of flavorful vegetables, including onion, celery, leeks, garlic, kale, sweet potato, red potatoes, carrots, and chopped tomato. The absence of meat is barely noticeable due to the richness of this recipe. A blend of fresh herbs and spices, featuring cumin, onion powder, and cinnamon, adds depth to this hearty dish. This stovetop recipe is easily adaptable for slow cooker or Instant Pot preparation, making it a versatile option for busy days.
Creamy Red Lentil Soup
One of our go-to vegetarian lentil recipes is a hearty, comforting creamy red lentil soup that’s bursting with flavor from carrots and a medley of spices. With prep time under 30 minutes, this quick and easy soup is perfect for a weeknight meal or a lazy Sunday afternoon. The addition of coconut milk takes the creaminess to the next level, while sautéed onion and garlic provide an aromatic depth that’s simply irresistible. To give it an extra boost of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes on top. For our vegan friends, simply substitute vegetable stock for chicken broth and omit the Greek yogurt topping – it’s that easy! Inspired by the talented bloggers at ambitiouskitchen.com.
Butternut Squash Superfood Lentil Soup
Indulge in the comforting and nutritious world of creamy soups with this vegan-friendly butternut squash and lentil soup, boasting a protein-packed punch. This superfood-rich recipe is not only delicious but also boasts anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for a daily dose of wellness. A medley of savory flavors from garlic, fresh ginger, onion, carrot, yellow curry powder, turmeric, and coconut milk combine to create a truly mouth-watering experience. And the best part? This hearty soup is just as easy to prepare in your slow cooker as it is on the stovetop. For inspiration, look no further than food52.com.
Baked Sweet Potato Stuffed With Moroccan Lentils
A sweet potato can be a satisfying meal on its own, but when you fill it with lentils, you’re in for a long-lasting energy boost. For this Moroccan-inspired recipe, use pardina dried lentils or brown lentils as the protein-packed filling. The bold flavors come from a combination of sautéed onion, garlic, fresh ginger, cinnamon, sweet paprika (or smoked paprika), and harissa paste, which are all complemented by the richness of pomegranate molasses. To complete the dish, include a recipe for lemon tahini dressing, made with agave nectar, fresh lemon juice, and garlic.
Quick Coconut Lentil Curry
Create a rich and creamy coconut sauce by combining the flavors of curry spices, earthy dried lentils, and fresh coconut milk. This easy-to-make recipe allows for flexibility in terms of creaminess, so feel free to substitute coconut milk with half-and-half or heavy cream if you prefer. The aromatic seasoning blend includes fresh ginger, garlic cloves, yellow onion, curry powder, and cilantro, which will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. To add depth and moisture, use vegetable broth or chicken broth as the base for this delectable curry. A sprinkle of spinach brings an explosion of nutrients to the table, making this recipe not only delicious but also nutritious. The best part? You can customize the heat level to suit your taste buds, ranging from mild to spicy. This versatile lentil curry recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly exceptional.
Instant Pot Smoky Lentils and Rice
For those seeking lentil bean recipes that pair perfectly with a side of rice, we’ve got an exceptional option to share. Mujadaraz is a flavorful and aromatic gluten-free dish, boasting a rich combination of fragrant spices and the sweetness of caramelized onions. The blend of coriander, cumin (in the form of Jeera powder), and cinnamon adds depth to this delectable meal. To truly experience the full flavor profile, serve your Mujadaraz over a bed of fluffy white basmati rice, or opt for cauliflower rice or brown rice for a nutritious twist.
Sweet Potatoes with Lentils and Goat Cheese
Sweet potatoes take center stage in this recipe, but the lentils bring an impressive amount of protein to the table. For this dish, you’ll need beluga or puy lentils, which will provide a boost of flavor and nutrition. The addition of shallots adds a depth of savory goodness that complements the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. To finish the dish, place it on a bed of peppery rocket greens (arugula) and top with crumbly goat cheese, then drizzle with a rich olive oil to tie everything together.
Ethiopian Lentils (Red Lentil Curry)
Ethiopian cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and rich spices, and one of the country’s most iconic dishes is Misir Wot, a hearty lentil stew that never fails to impress. At its core are red lentils, which play a starring role in many Ethiopian recipes. In this traditional recipe, the lentils are cooked with an aromatic blend of spices, including hot smoked paprika, turmeric, garam masala, and freshly grated ginger, all of which combine to create a truly unique flavor profile. For added richness and creaminess, consider serving your Misir Wot with a generous dollop of Ayib cheese, if you can get your hands on it.
Best Ever Lentil Soup
This lentil soup recipe is a staple for many, and for good reason – its simplicity belies a rich tapestry of flavors from the combination of cumin, curry powder, dried thyme, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. The addition of carrots, crushed tomatoes, onion, and leafy greens like kale or collard greens brings a depth of flavor and texture to the dish. What’s more, this hearty soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Simply thaw it in the microwave and serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Vegetarian French Lentils Shepherd’s Pie
For a comforting casserole that’s also packed with nutritious goodness, look no further than this vegetarian shepherd’s pie. To make it, you’ll first create a rich and savory sauce by simmering hearty vegetables in a flavorful broth. The filling is then topped with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes – we prefer Yukon gold or russet for their buttery flavor – before being baked to golden perfection. This recipe also has the added bonus of using frozen veggies, which adds a pop of color and a convenient shortcut. You can use either green lentils or brown lentils to make this French-inspired casserole, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or special occasion alike.
Easy Dal Makhani
In the heart of Punjab, a rich and spicy lentil-based stew called Dal Makhani is reserved for special celebrations. This beloved dish typically requires a considerable amount of time to prepare, but this recipe streamlines the process, making it more accessible. If you’re able to find traditional urad dal (whole black lentils), that’s ideal; however, regular black lentils can also be used effectively. The distinctive flavor profile is achieved through a blend of garam masala, cumin, coriander, and fresh ginger.
Lentil Nachos
Are you on the hunt for creative lentil recipes beyond soups? You’ll be thrilled to discover that lentils can be a game-changer in nacho form! The secret lies in an unusual cheese sauce crafted from a blend of flour, milk, butter, and shredded cheese – feel free to experiment with flavors like Monterrey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack. To elevate the dish further, pair your lentil nachos with other popular Mexican food staples, including dollops of sour cream, creamy guacamole (or diced avocado), tangy salsa, and zesty pico de gallo.
Indian Red Lentils (Masoor Dal)
Red lentils, also known as masoor dal, are a staple in Indian cuisine due to their rich protein content and versatility. In fact, they contain even more protein compared to other types of lentils, making them an excellent nutritious option for meals. There exist two primary varieties of masoor dal: whole lentils and skinned lentils, which cater to different cooking preferences. While this recipe specifically requires the split version of red lentils, commonly referred to as moong dal. The authentic flavor of these red lentils is attributed to a medley of spices including mustard seed, green chili, asafoetida, and cumin. Serve the dish with chapati or naan for a delightful experience of dipping into the savory soup. A reliable source confirms this information from eatingwell.com
Simple Red Lentil Soup
What makes this Mediterranean red lentil soup truly remarkable is its ability to pack a punch of flavor despite being simplicity itself. As it turns out, the recipe’s unassuming nature belies a rich tapestry of tastes that will leave you wanting more.
This versatile and accommodating dish is not only naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly but also happens to be free from common allergens, making it an ideal choice for those adhering to specific diets. The trio of spices responsible for the soup’s depth includes cumin, coriander, and harissa paste – a potent combination that adds an unmistakable Mediterranean flair.
The crowning glory of this recipe lies in its effortless elegance, achieved through the judicious addition of fresh cilantro as garnish and a squeeze of vibrant lemon juice. The resulting flavor profile is nothing short of captivating.
“Verde” Lentil Tacos
For a truly exceptional green lentil recipe, few can rival the outstanding Verde lentil tacos. As an added bonus, these vegan or vegetarian-friendly tacos make for a fantastic Taco Tuesday option. The unique twist in this recipe lies in its innovative pico de gallo, crafted with the harmonious blend of mango, pomegranate, red onion, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Meanwhile, the taco filling is a masterful combination of tomatillos, jalapeno pepper, poblano pepper, fresh lime juice, and garlic. This recipe’s inspiration can be attributed to tastesbetterfromscratch.com.
Instant Pot Lentil Tacos
Lentil tacos cooked in the Instant Pot are a busy person’s best friend on weeknights. In just 20 minutes, you can have a flavorful and unique meal ready to devour – perfect for Taco Tuesday. What’s more, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for those following a plant-based diet. And don’t worry about the meat-lovers in your life; these tacos are so filling and satisfying that they’ll likely forget all about ground beef. To give them an extra boost of flavor, you can use vegetable broth for a classic taste or opt for chicken or beef broth if you want to add a richer, meatier flavor.
Types of Lentils
While many people may think that all lentils are the same, there’s actually a wide variety of types to explore. Each type has its own unique characteristics, and knowing which one to choose can make all the difference in your recipe. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular lentil types.
First, we have green and brown lentils, which are probably the most well-known varieties. These lentils cook relatively quickly, taking around 20-30 minutes to soften up, and they tend to break apart when cooked. This makes them perfect for dishes like curries and soups, where you want a hearty, comforting texture.
Summary
Get ready to delight your loved ones with these scrumptious recipes. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a casual get-together, these dishes are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Take a moment to share your thoughts and let’s continue the conversation!
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.