10+ Red Lentil Recipes to Spice Up Your Weekly Meals

Red lentils are easy, healthy, and honestly kind of underrated. They cook up fast and give meals a nice texture and a gentle flavor.

If you want something cozy or something lighter, red lentils slide right into your weekly cooking without much hassle.

You can use red lentils in all sorts of dishes—stews, salads, soups, you name it. They’re a sneaky way to boost protein and fiber without having to work too hard.

Let’s get into some recipes that’ll make your week a little more interesting.

1) Quick & Easy Red Lentil Dahl

Red lentil dahl is that go-to dish for when you want something warm and filling but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen forever. It comes together in about 30 minutes and only needs one pot.

Grab some lentils, spices, and tomatoes and you’re set. The result is creamy, flavorful, and honestly, just what you need after a long day.

Serve it up with rice or bread—whatever’s handy. You can pretty much leave it alone while it cooks, which is a lifesaver when you’re busy.

The lentils break down fast and soak up the spices, so you get a rich, satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 3 cups water or broth
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds and toast until fragrant.
3. Toss in onion and garlic; cook until soft.
4. Add turmeric, garam masala, and tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes.
5. Rinse lentils and add them to the pot with water.
6. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are soft.
7. Season with salt and finish with cilantro if you’re feeling fancy. Serve warm.

For more details, check out this Quick & Easy Red Lentil Dahl recipe.

2) Vegan Lentil Bolognese Sauce

Red lentils, mushrooms, and a handful of herbs come together for a Vegan Lentil Bolognese that’s actually satisfying. The sauce is thick, hearty, and perfect for smothering your favorite pasta.

It’s loaded with protein and fiber, so you’ll feel good about eating it. The best part? It all happens in one pot.

Lentils give the sauce a surprisingly meaty texture, and if you’re into crunch, walnuts are a nice touch. Serve it over spaghetti or whatever pasta you’ve got.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup walnuts (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and mushrooms until soft.
3. Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in broth, bring to a boil.
5. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are soft.
6. Stir now and then; add more broth if it gets too thick.
7. If you’re using walnuts, toast and toss them in before serving.
8. Spoon over hot pasta and dig in.

Try this recipe for a delicious vegan meal. Get the details on Vegan Red Lentil Bolognese.

3) Masoor Dal with Turmeric and Sweet Potatoes

Masoor Dal is one of those dishes that’s simple but tastes like you put in way more effort. The lentils cook fast and end up super creamy.

Turmeric brings a warm, earthy flavor and a pop of color. Sweet potatoes add a little sweetness that balances the spices.

You’ll throw in cumin, coriander, and ginger for even more depth. Make it with coconut milk if you want extra creaminess, or just stick to broth.

It’s filling, healthy, and doesn’t take much time—always a win.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils (masoor dal)
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 4 cups water or broth
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until soft.
3. Stir in spices and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add lentils, sweet potatoes, and water.
5. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for 20–25 minutes until the lentils are soft.
6. Add salt and adjust seasoning before serving.

4) Creamy Red Lentil Coconut Curry

This red lentil coconut curry is creamy, comforting, and doesn’t make a mess in the kitchen. You only need one pot, which is always a relief.

Coconut milk gives it a rich, smooth texture that works so well with the mild spices. Honestly, it’s hard to mess this one up.

You can make a big batch and keep leftovers in the fridge for easy meals later. Toss in whatever veggies or extra spices you like—it’s a flexible recipe.

All you really need are pantry staples like red lentils, coconut milk, and tomatoes. It’s perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse lentils under cold water.
2. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add curry powder and cook for a minute.
4. Pour in lentils, coconut milk, tomatoes, and broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

5) Smoky Red Lentil Stew with Greens

This smoky red lentil stew is packed with flavor and comes together fast. Smoked paprika gives it a cozy, rich taste.

Chopped greens add color and make it feel fresh. You probably have most of the ingredients already.

It’s hearty and easy to switch up with whatever veggies you like. Serve it with crusty bread or over rice for a meal that sticks with you.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups chopped greens (spinach, kale, or chard)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.
3. Stir in smoked paprika and cumin for 1 minute.
4. Add lentils and broth, bring to a boil.
5. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are soft.
6. Toss in chopped greens and cook 3-5 minutes more.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

6) Spiced Red Lentil Soup

Spiced red lentil soup is the kind of soup you want on a cold day. Cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger make the flavor pop.

The lentils break down quickly and make the soup creamy. Tomato paste or diced tomatoes add a bit of tang.

Crank up the heat with chili flakes or Aleppo pepper if you’re feeling bold. This soup is great with a slice of bread or some salad.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chili flakes or Aleppo pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add spices and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in tomato paste.
5. Add lentils and broth.
6. Bring to a boil, then simmer 25-30 minutes.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if you like.
8. Serve warm.

Find a version of this recipe with warm spices at Marilena’s Kitchen.

7) Red Lentil and Tomato Stew

Red lentil and tomato stew is pure comfort food. Tender lentils, juicy tomatoes, and a few simple spices make it hearty and filling.

You can make the whole thing in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. Garlic and onions give it depth without making things complicated.

This stew is thick, cozy, and perfect for chilly nights. You’ll want to keep this one in your regular rotation.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 15 to 25 cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Stir in cumin, lentils, and tomatoes.
4. Pour in water or broth and bring to a boil.
5. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are soft.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Try this simple and tasty red lentil tomato stew.

8) Red Lentil Chili

Red lentil chili is one of those cozy, one-pot meals that comes together fast. It’s packed with protein and fiber, and honestly, it tastes way better than you’d expect for something this easy.

You get that deep, smoky flavor from smoked paprika and fire-roasted tomatoes. If you want to bulk it up, toss in some black beans or kidney beans—makes it extra hearty.

This chili works for dinner, lunch, or whenever you want leftovers that actually taste good. The ingredient list is pretty basic, and you only need about 30 minutes to pull it off.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic and cook until they’re soft.
3. Stir in smoked paprika and chili powder.
4. Add lentils, tomatoes, beans, and broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 25 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

9) Red Lentil Meatballs

Red lentil meatballs are a surprisingly tasty, healthy swap for the usual meat version. They’re quick to make and don’t need any fancy ingredients.

You can play around with spices to get the flavor you like. These meatballs work in pasta, sandwiches, or just as a snack—no one’s judging.

They’re vegan and full of protein, but the red lentils keep them soft without falling apart. Once you mix everything up, just bake or pan-fry until golden.

It’s a fun, different way to use lentils, and honestly, it might surprise you.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces dry red lentils
• 1 shallot, peeled and minced
• 1 tablespoon dry parsley
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse lentils and cook them in boiling water until soft, about 20 minutes. Drain.
2. Mix lentils with shallot, parsley, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs.
3. Form the mixture into small balls.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes or pan-fry until browned on all sides.

For more details, check out this easy red lentil meatballs recipe.

10) Red Lentil and Spinach Curry

You can whip up a red lentil and spinach curry in about 30 minutes. It’s simple, tasty, and honestly, pretty satisfying.

This curry turns out creamy without any dairy, thanks to coconut milk. Indian spices bring warmth and depth, but it’s not overly spicy—unless you want it to be.

Spinach gives it a fresh, green pop and a little nutrition boost. I usually toss it in near the end so it stays bright and doesn’t get mushy.

Serve it as a main or just a hearty side. Rice or flatbread on the side? Yes, please.

Ingredients:

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

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, and cook until they’re soft.
3. Stir in curry powder, turmeric, and cumin.
4. Add lentils and broth, then bring it all to a boil.
5. Simmer for 15 minutes until the lentils soften up.
6. Pour in the coconut milk and toss in the spinach.
7. Let it cook 5 more minutes, just until the spinach wilts.
8. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy meal that doesn’t feel boring, give this red lentil and spinach curry a shot. Want more details? Check out this red lentil curry with spinach recipe.