10+ Lentil Recipes You’ll Love for Easy, Healthy Meals

Lentils are simple, nutritious, and honestly a bit underrated. You can toss them into so many dishes—soups, salads, stews, whatever you’re craving.

Whether you’re just starting out with lentils or you’ve cooked with them before, there’s always a new recipe to try. These ideas keep things easy and tasty, which is kind of the whole point, right?

Lentil recipes are a great way to add protein, fiber, and flavor to your meals without much effort. You can throw them into soups, stews, salads—really anything that needs a little boost.

Ingredients

• Lentils (any variety)
• Water or broth
• Basic seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse lentils under cold water.
2. Combine lentils with water or broth in a pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender (about 20-30 minutes).
4. Season as you like and use in your chosen recipe.

1) Spiced Lentils with Carrots

Spiced lentils with carrots are hearty and healthy. The carrots add a touch of sweetness that works well with the warm spices.

It’s a simple dish you can make ahead and just reheat when you need it. You’ll use spices like cumin and cinnamon, sometimes allspice, for a cozy flavor.

The lentils turn out firm but tender, soaking up all those spices and the carrots’ natural sweetness. Serve it as a main or side dish—it goes well with rice, bread, or even a crisp salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse lentils under cold water.
2. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
3. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
4. Add carrots and spices, cook 2 more minutes.
5. Add lentils and 3 cups water, bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Find more details on spiced lentils with carrots here.

2) Dal Palak (Spinach Dal)

Dal Palak is a simple, healthy mix of lentils and fresh spinach. It’s lightly spiced and has a creamy texture.

You can eat it with rice or bread, and it’s filling enough for a main meal. The dish uses lentils like pigeon pea or red lentils, cooked up with garlic, onions, and Indian spices.

Fresh spinach brings a mild flavor and a good nutrition boost. If you want something warming and easy, this one’s a keeper.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils (pigeon pea or red lentils)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt to taste
• 4 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils well.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
3. Add onions, garlic, and green chilies. Cook until soft.
4. Add turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Stir well.
5. Add lentils and water, then cook until lentils are soft (about 20-25 minutes).
6. Add chopped spinach and cook for another 5 minutes.
7. Serve hot with rice or bread.

Find more detailed recipes for Dal Palak here.

3) Lentil Tacos with Avocado Crema

Lentil tacos are an easy, tasty way to use lentils. You cook seasoned lentils with garlic and spices, then pile them into warm tortillas.

The avocado crema is the finishing touch—blend avocado, lime juice, and cilantro for a fresh, creamy sauce. Add crunchy cabbage or slaw for a little bite.

These tacos come together fast and make a healthy meal any day. They’re surprisingly satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 avocado
• 1 lime, juiced
• ½ cup cilantro leaves
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1–2 cloves garlic
• 6 small tortillas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp chili powder or taco seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat lentils with garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a pan.
2. Blend avocado, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and water until smooth for the crema.
3. Warm tortillas in a pan or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
4. Fill tortillas with lentils, top with cabbage and avocado crema.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Check out ideas like these at Rainbow Plant Life and It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken.

4) 10-Ingredient Lentil Bolognese

Lentil bolognese is rich and hearty, perfect over pasta or rice. It’s quick to make and uses simple ingredients.

The sauce gets its depth from red lentils, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Garlic, onion, oregano, and thyme bring out the flavor, and a splash of balsamic vinegar balances things out.

Serve it with your favorite pasta for a plant-based meal that’s filling and full of protein.

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 red lentils
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute.
4. Mix in lentils, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and balsamic vinegar.
5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cover.
6. Cook for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender. Stir occasionally.
7. Serve over pasta or your choice of grain.

Find more details at Rainbow Plant Life’s lentil bolognese.

5) Vegan Red Lentil Curry

This vegan red lentil curry is creamy, flavorful, and honestly pretty easy for a weeknight. You just need red lentils and coconut milk to make a comforting meal.

It’s ready in about 30 to 45 minutes and works for meal prep too. The spices bring warmth, but it’s not too spicy.

You don’t need a ton of ingredients, and the method is straightforward. The lentils cook down until tender and soak up all those flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (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.
4. Add red lentils, coconut milk, 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 the curry thickens.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve with rice and garnish with cilantro if you like.

Find more tips and variations in this easy vegan red lentil curry recipe.

6) Hearty One-Pot Lentil Stew

This stew is simple and perfect for a cozy night. You cook lentils with veggies like carrots, celery, and onions all in one pot.

The flavors blend together, making it healthy and filling. Add herbs and spices to match your mood.

It’s vegan, easy to adapt, and there’s barely any cleanup. What’s not to love?

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse lentils under cold water.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
4. Add garlic, thyme, and cumin; cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, and broth.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 30-40 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Check out more tips at Hearty One-Pot Lentil Stew.

7) Red Lentil and Chorizo Stew

This stew is warm and full of flavor. The red lentils cook fast and thicken the dish.

Chorizo brings a smoky, spicy kick that works perfectly with the lentils. Start by frying onions, carrots, and cumin seeds until soft.

Add garlic, paprika, and chorizo, then toss in the lentils and simmer until everything’s tender. This stew is great on its own or with crusty bread.

It’s a simple way to enjoy a filling, comforting meal when you want something a little special.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 6 oz chorizo, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp paprika
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.

2. Toss in onion, carrots, and cumin seeds. Let them fry for about 10 minutes.

3. Add garlic and fry for another minute.

4. Stir in paprika and chorizo. Cook for 5 minutes.

5. Add lentils and broth. Bring everything to a boil.

6. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the lentils soften up.

7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Find more details in this Red Lentil and Chorizo Stew recipe.

8) Easy French Lentils with Garlic and Herbs

French lentils cook pretty fast and keep their shape, which is nice. Start by rinsing the lentils, then toss them in a pot with chopped carrots, onions, and celery.

Tie up garlic cloves and fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaf in a little cheesecloth. Drop that bundle right into the pot while the lentils simmer.

The flavors mix in without bits of herbs floating everywhere. When the lentils are tender, just pull out the herb bundle and add salt and pepper.

Serve them warm or let them cool to room temperature. They work as a side or a main—totally up to you.

Ingredients

• 1 cup French lentils (Le Puy if possible)
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse lentils under cold water.

2. In a large pot, combine lentils, carrot, onion, and celery.

3. Tie garlic and herbs in cheesecloth and add to the pot.

4. Cover with water and bring to a boil.

5. Lower the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the lentils are tender.

6. Remove the herb bundle and season with salt and pepper.

7. Serve warm or at room temperature.

9) Sweet Korean Lentils

Sweet Korean lentils bring those BBQ flavors in a super simple, vegan way. The taste is mildly sweet and spicy, which makes a quick dinner that doesn’t feel boring.

You’ll cook red lentils with a sauce of garlic, onions, and sweet spices. The sauce is a nice balance of sweet, savory, and a little heat.

It’s gluten free and mostly oil-free, so it’s a pretty healthy pick. Eat it alone or with rice or veggies if you want a bigger meal.

You can turn the spice up or down—just tweak the chili paste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sugar
• 1 teaspoon gochujang or chili paste
• 1/2 cup water

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add onions and garlic, cook until soft.

3. Stir in soy sauce, maple syrup, and gochujang.

4. Add lentils and water, bring to a boil.

5. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, until the lentils are soft.

6. Stir now and then, and add a splash of water if things look dry.

10) Classic Lentil Soup with Greens

This classic lentil soup is all about simple, healthy comfort. You cook lentils with fresh greens—spinach or kale both work.

The soup gets extra flavor from tender veggies and some herbs. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you don’t need anything fancy.

A splash of lemon juice at the end really brightens things up. When you want something warm and nourishing, this is a solid choice.

You can find a detailed version of this recipe with greens on sites like Love and Lemons or Cookie and Kate for ideas on flavor combinations and preparation. Check this lentil soup recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cups fresh greens (spinach or kale)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of half a lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water.

2. Grab a large pot and sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until they’re soft and fragrant.

3. Toss in the lentils and cumin. Pour in the broth, then add salt and pepper.

4. Bring everything to a boil.

5. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils feel tender.

6. Stir in the greens and let them cook for another 5 minutes.

7. Take the pot off the heat and squeeze in some lemon juice.

8. Serve it up warm.