9 Best Easy Lentil Recipes for Simple and Delicious Meals

Lentils are versatile, nutritious, and easy to cook, making them a great choice for meals. I believe that incorporating lentils into your diet can lead to delicious and satisfying dishes that everyone will enjoy. With so many recipes available, it’s simple to create healthy meals without spending too much time in the kitchen.

In this article, I will share nine easy lentil recipes that cater to different tastes and preferences. From soups to salads, these recipes highlight the wonderful flavors and textures of lentils. I hope you find inspiration for your next meal while enjoying the benefits of this excellent ingredient.

1. Lentil Soup with Spinach

Lentil soup with spinach is a nutritious and comforting dish. Lentils are small legumes packed with protein and fiber. They cook quickly and blend well with other ingredients, making them ideal for a soup.

I find this recipe easy to prepare. It usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Here’s how I make it:

1. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add 1 cup of lentils, 4 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender.
6. Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

This soup is easy to modify too. I can add other vegetables or spices to suit my taste.

2. Spicy Red Lentil Dal

Spicy Red Lentil Dal is a comforting and flavorful dish that is easy to prepare. Made with red lentils, it is not only delicious but also packed with protein.

To make this recipe, I start by rinsing 1 cup of red lentils under cold water. This removes any dirt and helps them cook evenly.

Next, I heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pot. I add 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1-inch grated ginger. I sauté them until the onion turns translucent.

Then, I stir in 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and 1 teaspoon of turmeric. After about 30 seconds, I add the rinsed lentils and 4 cups of vegetable broth.

I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. I stir occasionally, ensuring that the lentils don’t stick to the pot.

For added flavor, I mix in 1 chopped tomato and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. I let it cook for an extra 5 minutes.

Finally, I finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Enjoy this warming dish with rice or flatbread!

3. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and nutritious dish. It replaces meat with lentils, making it a great option for vegetarians. This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.

To prepare this dish, I start by cooking lentils in boiling water for about 20 minutes until they are tender. While the lentils cook, I chop onions, carrots, and celery, cooking them in a pan with some oil for about 5 minutes.

Next, I add cooked lentils to the veggies, along with some vegetable broth, tomato paste, and spices like thyme and pepper. I let this mixture simmer for another 10 minutes.

For the topping, I boil potatoes until soft, then mash them with butter and a splash of milk. I spread the lentil mixture in a baking dish and top it with the mashed potatoes.

Finally, I bake the pie at 400°F for 25 minutes until the top is golden. This dish is satisfying and perfect for any meal.

4. Lentil and Vegetable Curry

Lentil and vegetable curry is a nutritious and tasty dish. It combines lentils with a variety of vegetables and spices, making it a hearty meal. This curry is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare.

To make this curry, I gather the following ingredients: lentils, mixed vegetables (like carrots, peas, and potatoes), onion, garlic, ginger, and various spices.

Here are the simple steps I follow:

1. Rinse 1 cup of lentils under cold water and set aside.
2. In a pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, and salt to taste. Cook for another minute.
5. Add the lentils and 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat and add 2 cups of mixed vegetables. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until the lentils are tender.

This dish is perfect with rice or flatbreads. I enjoy it because it’s healthy and satisfying.

5. Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Mediterranean lentil salad is a healthy and tasty dish that combines lentils with fresh vegetables and flavors. It is simple to make and packed with nutrients.

To prepare this salad, I start by cooking 1 cup of lentils in 3 cups of water. I bring the water to a boil, then let the lentils simmer for about 15-20 minutes until tender. After cooking, I drain the lentils and let them cool.

Next, I chop 1 cucumber, 1 red bell pepper, and a handful of cherry tomatoes. I mix these vegetables into a large bowl with the cooled lentils. For added flavor, I add 1/4 cup of chopped red onion and a handful of parsley.

For the dressing, I whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together.

This salad can be served right away or chilled in the fridge for a refreshing meal later. It’s perfect as a side dish or a main course.

6. Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew

Lentil and sweet potato stew is a comforting dish packed with nutrients. Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, while sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and vital vitamins.

I find this recipe very easy to make, as it requires simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

To prepare, follow these steps:

1. Start by rinsing 1 cup of lentils and set them aside.
2. In a pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and sauté until soft.
4. Next, stir in 1 diced sweet potato and cook for about 5 minutes.
5. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and the lentils. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs, like thyme or cumin.

This dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also filling and full of flavor.

7. Lentil Tacos with Avocado

Lentil tacos are a tasty and healthy option for any meal. Lentils are small legume seeds high in protein and fiber. They make an excellent base for a hearty filling.

Making lentil tacos is simple and quick. I can prepare them in about 30 minutes. Here’s how I do it:

1. Rinse 1 cup of lentils under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine the rinsed lentils with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt, then bring it to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender.
4. Drain any excess water and stir in taco seasoning.
5. While the lentils cook, chop 1 avocado and prepare other toppings like salsa, cilantro, and cheese.
6. Warm corn or flour tortillas in a pan for a few minutes until pliable.
7. Fill each tortilla with the seasoned lentils and top with avocado and other toppings.

This meal is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. I enjoy the creamy texture of the avocado combined with the hearty lentils. Together, they create a satisfying dish that everyone will love.

8. Smoky Lentil Stew

Smoky lentil stew is a hearty dish that combines lentils with rich flavors. I enjoy how easy it is to make and the depth of taste it delivers. The addition of smoked paprika gives it a unique, smoky flavor.

To prepare this stew, I start by gathering simple ingredients. You will need lentils, chopped onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and smoked paprika.

The cooking process is straightforward. Here’s how I make it:

1. In a large pot, I heat a little olive oil over medium heat.
2. I add chopped onions and garlic, cooking them until they are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Next, I stir in smoked paprika and cook for an additional minute to release its flavor.
4. I then add lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
5. I bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to simmer.
6. After about 25-30 minutes, the lentils become tender.

I like to serve this stew warm, often with a slice of crusty bread. It’s a simple, fulfilling meal that can easily be adapted to my taste.

9. Lentil and Kale Salad

Lentil and kale salad is a nutritious and satisfying dish. Lentils are small legumes packed with protein and fiber. Kale is a leafy green that adds vitamins and minerals.

Making this salad is easy and quick. I love how simple it is to prepare.

First, I rinse and cook 1 cup of lentils in boiling water for about 20 minutes. While the lentils cook, I chop 2 cups of kale and massage it lightly with olive oil to soften.

Next, I mix the cooked lentils with the kale. I then add about 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes and a handful of diced onions for extra flavor.

For the dressing, I whisk together 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. I pour this over the salad and toss everything together.

This salad is tasty, healthy, and perfect for meal prep. I can store it in the fridge for a couple of days, making it a convenient option for lunches or dinners.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Lentils?

Lentils are a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with protein, vitamins, and essential minerals. Their unique profile supports overall health, making them a fantastic choice for many diets.

How Do Lentils Provide Protein and Essential Amino Acids?

Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein. A single cup of cooked lentils contains about 18 grams of protein, which is impressive for a legume. This makes them a great option for vegetarians and vegans looking to increase their protein intake.

Lentils provide a good balance of essential amino acids. They are particularly high in lysine, which is often lacking in grains. Combining lentils with grains like rice or quinoa can create a complete protein source.

The protein in lentils supports muscle health and helps to keep you feeling full longer. This can be beneficial for those managing their weight or looking for sustainable energy throughout the day.

What Vitamins and Minerals Are Found in Lentils?

Lentils are rich in various vitamins and minerals that contribute to a healthy diet. They are a great source of iron, providing about 37% of the daily recommended intake in a single cup. This is crucial for maintaining healthy blood and energy levels.

Additionally, lentils are high in folate, which supports cell function and tissue growth. A cup of lentils offers about 90% of the daily value needed, making them especially important during pregnancy.

Other key nutrients in lentils include potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and magnesium, important for muscle and nerve function. Their high dietary fiber content also aids in digestion and promotes heart health.

What Are the Cooking Tips and Techniques for Lentils?

When cooking lentils, proper preparation and flavor pairing can greatly enhance the dish. Here are the key techniques to follow for a successful lentil meal.

How Do You Properly Prepare Lentils?

I always start by sorting through the lentils to remove any debris or small stones. After that, I rinse them under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This helps remove dust and impurities.

Next, I find soaking lentils is not necessary for most types, especially red and green lentils. They cook quickly and can be added directly to the pot. For larger ones like brown or black lentils, a quick soak for about 1-2 hours can improve texture.

I prefer cooking lentils in a 3:1 water-to-lentil ratio. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cooking times vary: red lentils take about 15 minutes, while green and brown lentils can take 30 minutes to an hour. Taste them occasionally to get the desired tenderness.

What Are the Best Flavor Pairings with Lentils?

Lentils have a mild flavor, making them great for pairing with various ingredients. I often use onions, garlic, and carrots as a base for lentil dishes. These aromatics enhance the overall taste.

Spices are essential too. Cumin, coriander, and turmeric work well to add warmth. For a bit of heat, I might include chili powder or cayenne.

I also love adding herbs like thyme, bay leaf, or parsley during cooking. They contribute fresh flavors. Additionally, acidic ingredients such as lemon juice or vinegar brighten the dish after cooking.

For a complete meal, I suggest serving lentils with rice or crusty bread. This combination creates a hearty and satisfying dish.