18 Must-Try Lentil Recipes That Will Even Impress Meat Lovers

Lentils are an important staple food worldwide. They are a rich source of protein and relatively inexpensive. From hearty soups to savory stews, lentils are versatile legumes celebrated for their rich flavor, satisfying texture, and nutritional benefits. Here are 18 different recipes using lentils. 

Lentil Curry with Zucchini Instant Pot Recipe

lentil curry or dal with zucchini in a bowl between a bunch of coriander leaves and naan.
This Mom is On Fire

 

Lentil curry, known as ‘dal’ in south asian cuisine, is a regular meal for many families. It is so rich and flavorful. There are several different lentils you can make curries with but I have used a yellow variety known as ‘moong.’ Lentils are perfect for a meatless dinner and are very healthy.

Vegan Lentil Bolognese

vegan bolognese in a bowl
Image credit: Delish Knowledge

 

You’ve gotta try this vegan lentil bolognese made with mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes and lentils. This lentil bolognese is packed with plant-based protein and incredibly hearty. A must make this fall and winter.

Vegan Moussaka

vegan moussaka piece on a plate
Image credit: Greedy Gourmet

 

Want to make a mouth watering meat-free dish? For this moussaka, layers of luscious fresh ingredients like eggplant, potatoes and lentils, all work together in harmony. 

Lentil Tabbouleh

lentil tabbouleh on a plate
Image credit: Running to the Kitchen

 

Lentil tabbouleh is light and refreshing yet a more satisfying and filling variation than the traditional recipe. This gluten-free twist to the classic Middle Eastern side dish features fresh tomatoes, herbs, lemon and spices. Perfect for quick lunches or a side dish to a simple dinner.

Lentil and Rice Soup

lentil rice and soup in a bowl
Image credit: Dishes Delish

 

This lentil and rice soup recipe delivers a hearty and satisfying soup with minimal effort. Let the Instant Pot take over and effortlessly prepare a comforting, warm meal that’s ready to enjoy before you know it.

Dal Gosht: Lentil And Meat Curry

dal gosht in a bowl
Image credit: So Yummy Recipes

 

Enjoying this dal gosht is like having a flavorful hug in a bowl! This meat and lentils dish is a satisfying combo of protein-rich lentils and succulent meat creating a wholesome and delicious meal.

Easy Vegan Lentil Burger

lentil burger
Image credit: My Pure Plants

 

Whip up these tasty vegan lentil burgers using ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store – like mushrooms, lentils, and oats. The soft fillings blend perfectly with the crispy patties, seasoned just right to give you that classic meatless burger feel.

Mejadra Recipe – Vegan Rice with Lentils and Fried Onions

lentils and rice on a plate
Image credit: Tia Clara

 

This mejadra recipe (also known as mujaddara) is a humble dish but pure comfort food. It’s simple in its preparation, inexpensive in its ingredients, but with very complex flavors, some very familiar to me (like rice and lentils), and some lovely spices (cumin and turmeric) to improve on some old favorites.

Chili-Spiced Lentil Soup Recipe

Mexican lentil soup in a bowl
Image credit: My Everyday Table

 

You’re going to love this chili-spiced Mexican lentil soup recipe! Not only is this lentil vegetable soup made with just 7 basic ingredients (plus spices), but it’s also ready in about 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner option.

Instant Pot Lentil Tortilla Stew Recipe

lentil tortilla stew in a bowl
Image credit: The Gracious Pantry

 

One of my favorites so far is this clean eating Mexican-inspired lentil tortilla stew recipe. It’s hearty, filling, comforting, and definitely warming on a chilly afternoon or evening. It’s a great option for a thermos lunch for school or work as well.

Traditional Turkish Lentil Soup Recipe

lentil soup in a bowl
Image credit: Lavender and Macarons

 

This traditional Turkish Lentil Soup also called Mercimek çorbası is a uniquely fragrant, cozy and satisfying soup perfect for chilly days. You can make it in no time and enjoy for lunch or hearty dinner. This soup is vegan and gluten-free.

Easy Carrot And Lentil Soup (Sopa De Lentejas)

carrot and lentil soup in a bowl
Image credit: Six Hungry Feet

 

This carrot and lentil soup, as well known as Spanish lentil soup or “Sopa de Lentejas”, is an amazing one-pot meal to satisfy the whole family. Easy to prepare, healthy, hearty, and delicious, this plant-based lentil soup has everything you need for a busy-weekday meal.

Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup

Instant Pot red lentil soup
Image credit:Corrie Cooks

 

A delightful and velvety Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup that is not difficult to make and stacked with awesome flavors. With just a few ingredients and a pinch of fresh ginger, this generous and dynamic soup is ideal for any season.

Italian Lentil Soup – Zuppa Di Lenticchie

Italian red lentil soup in a bowl
Image credit: xoxobella

 

Italian lentil soup, or zuppa di lenticchie soup, is a very tasty lentil minestrone boasting plenty of fresh vegetables in every mouthful. Suitable for any occasion, but especially tempting during the cooler months, Italian vegetable soup is hearty and warming, and perfect served with either croutons or crusty ciabatta for soaking up every last drop.

Vegan Lentil Tacos

two vegan lentil soft tacos
Image Credit: Lavender and Macarons

 

These Vegan Lentil Tacos are one of the easiest and healthiest vegan recipes that have the perfect meat replacement! Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also budget-friendly and a great way to get started with a vegan diet. It’s a protein-packed, iron-rich, and full of flavor in each bite thanks to the homemade avocado dressing.

Lentil Falafel With Lime Yogurt

lentil falafels in a skillet
Image credit: Greedy Gourmet

 

Falafel is probably one of my favourite Middle-Eastern dishes of all time. Lentil falafel is best served when fresh, you can enjoy it with any dip of your preference. This version is a little different though. Instead of the usual chickpea mixture, these falafels are based on a combination of chickpeas and lentils.

Whole Masoor Dal: Brown Lentil Curry

masoor dal curry on a plate
Image credit: So Yummy Recipes

 

Heartwarmingly delicious is the best to describe this whole masoor dal. It is a dal brown curry that is best enjoyed with plain basmati rice. Though any flatbread can be equally delicious to have it with.

Vegan Lentil Nachos with Easy Cheese Sauce

nachos in a tray
Image credit: Delish Knowledge

 

Taco lentils + roasted chili squash + easy cashew cheese sauce + guacamole + your favorite toppings. These are nachos to beat all nachos.

More Recipes: Unleash Flavor with These 17 Irresistible Chili Recipes

beef chili in a skillet
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If you’re a fan of hearty and flavorful dishes, then chili recipes are sure to hit the spot. Whether you prefer your chili spicy or mild, with meat or without, there’s a chili recipe out there to suit every taste bud. From classic beef chili to vegetarian and vegan options, chili recipes offer endless versatility and are perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting meal. Here are 17 delicious and diverse chili recipes.

Unleash Flavor with These 17 Irresistible Chili Recipes

14 Delicious and Budget Friendly Recipes Using Canned Fish

tuna patties in a pan beside tomatoes, a bowl of peppercorns and coriander leaves
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Get ready to make a quick and delicious dinner using your pantry staples! The fact that canned fish can be more than just a filler in a lunchbox sandwich is often overlooked. Tinned seafood is a versatile ingredient that can add a burst of flavor and protein to a variety of dishes. From quick and easy appetizers to hearty mains and flavorful salads, recipes using tinned seafood are as diverse as they are delicious. Here are 14 delicious tinned fish recipes.

14 Delicious and Budget Friendly Recipes Using Canned Fish

20 Creative and Comforting Casserole Recipes

casserole topped with mushrooms and cheese in a white baking tray with one piece removed
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A casserole is a timeless dish that is loved for it’s ability to feed large families, requires few dishes to make and can be a healthy meal that combines all your food groups like grains, meat and vegetables together. From classic comfort foods to creative twists on traditional dishes, the following recipes are a diverse array of savory and satisfying casseroles that are sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger.

20 Creative and Comforting Casserole Recipes

18 Heavenly Medjool Date Recipes That’ll Leave You Craving More

baklava with date filling
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Known for their natural sweetness and rich flavor, Medjool dates are a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish, whether sweet or savory. From decadent desserts to wholesome snacks and savory entrees, these luscious fruits add a unique depth of flavor and natural sweetness to every recipe. Here are 18 simple recipes with dates to try at home.

18 Heavenly Medjool Date Recipes That’ll Leave You Craving More

20 Velvety and Smooth Cheesecake Recipes You Need to Try Now

cheesecake with fresh berries on top
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Many dessert lovers are fans of the rich velvety goodness that is cheesecake. The best thing about cheesecake is the versatility it offers. Cheesecake isn’t bound by coming in only cake form, the same flavors can be infused in cookies, brownies, muffins, bars and more. Of course you can go crust or no crust, and the sky’s the limit when it comes to flavor options. The following are 20 diverse and delicious cheesecake recipes to enjoy baking.

20 Velvety and Smooth Cheesecake Recipes You Need to Try Now