Lentils are a powerhouse ingredient beloved by vegetarians and food lovers alike. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals, they make for hearty, nutritious meals that satisfy both your taste buds and your body.
Whether you’re new to cooking lentils or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, these 19 vegetarian lentil recipes offer a delightful mix of flavors, textures, and cuisines. From comforting soups and stews to vibrant salads and creative mains, lentils can adapt to any meal or occasion.
Embrace the versatility of lentils with these dishes that are easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and full of wholesome goodness. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or impressing guests with plant-based delights.
Dive in and discover how lentils can transform your vegetarian cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lentils are not only affordable and easy to cook but also incredibly versatile. They absorb flavors beautifully and can be used in a wide array of recipes—from spicy curries and zesty salads to rich casseroles and hearty burgers.
These 19 vegetarian lentil recipes are designed to offer variety, nutrition, and fantastic taste in every bite. They are perfect for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Ingredients
- Brown lentils: 2 cups (rinsed and drained)
- Red lentils: 1 cup
- Green lentils: 1 cup
- Vegetable broth: 6 cups
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Onion: 2 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves: 4, minced
- Carrots: 3 medium, diced
- Celery stalks: 2, diced
- Canned diced tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz)
- Spinach or kale: 2 cups fresh, chopped
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Curry powder: 1 teaspoon
- Chili flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional)
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh parsley or cilantro: ½ cup chopped for garnish
- Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt: for serving (optional)
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander or sieve (for rinsing lentils)
- Blender or immersion blender (optional for creamy soups)
- Serving bowls
Instructions
- Prepare the lentils: Rinse all lentils separately under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, curry powder, and chili flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add lentils and broth: Pour in the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender but not mushy. Add canned diced tomatoes halfway through simmering.
- Add greens: Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook another 5 minutes until wilted and tender.
- Season and finish: Add salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Adjust spices if needed.
- Optional blend: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the stew, leaving some lentils whole for texture.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and add a dollop of yogurt if desired.
Tips & Variations
To save time, soak lentils for 1 hour before cooking to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
You can swap out lentils for other pulses like chickpeas or split peas in many recipes. For a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked salt or liquid smoke.
Try these variations:
- Lentil Curry: Add coconut milk and garam masala for a rich and creamy curry.
- Lentil Salad: Use cooked and cooled green lentils mixed with fresh vegetables, lemon, and olive oil.
- Lentil Burgers: Mash cooked lentils with breadcrumbs, spices, and an egg or flax egg to bind, then pan-fry or bake.
- Spicy Lentil Soup: Increase chili flakes and add diced jalapeños for heat.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 15g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Iron | 3.3mg (18% DV) |
| Vitamin C | 6mg (10% DV) |
| Calcium | 40mg (4% DV) |
Serving Suggestions
Lentil dishes pair wonderfully with warm crusty bread or fluffy basmati rice. Add a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
For a Mediterranean flair, serve with tzatziki or hummus.
These lentil recipes also work great as leftovers and can be used as filling for wraps or stuffed peppers. For breakfast inspiration, check out the Breakfast Wellington Recipe to complement your plant-based meals.
19 Vegetarian Lentil Recipes List
Classic Lentil Soup
A hearty and warming soup featuring brown lentils, carrots, celery, and tomatoes simmered in vegetable broth. Perfect for chilly days.
Spiced Red Lentil Dahl
Rich with turmeric, cumin, garlic, and ginger, this Indian-inspired dahl is creamy and flavorful. Serve with naan or rice.
Lentil and Vegetable Stew
A robust stew packed with lentils, potatoes, carrots, and kale, seasoned with smoked paprika and fresh herbs.
Lentil Salad with Feta and Mint
Cooked green lentils tossed with crumbled feta, fresh mint, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.
Lentil and Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie
A vegetarian twist on a classic, with lentils and mushrooms underneath a creamy mashed potato topping.
Lentil Bolognese
Use lentils instead of ground meat for a rich, tomato-based sauce served over your favorite pasta.
Lentil Tacos
Seasoned lentils make a great filling for tacos, topped with avocado, salsa, and shredded lettuce.
Lentil Patties with Tahini Sauce
Pan-fried lentil patties served with a creamy tahini and lemon dressing.
Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry
A comforting curry featuring red lentils and sweet potatoes simmered in coconut milk and spices.
Lentil-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Bell peppers filled with a savory lentil and vegetable mixture, baked until tender.
Mediterranean Lentil Bowl
Cooked lentils topped with roasted veggies, olives, cucumber, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Lentil and Spinach Lasagna
Layered lentils, spinach, and tomato sauce with pasta sheets and cheese or vegan alternatives.
Lentil Chili
A spicy chili with lentils, beans, tomatoes, and bold seasonings. Great served with cornbread.
Lentil and Quinoa Salad
A protein-packed salad with cooked lentils, quinoa, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing.
Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Quick sautéed vegetables and lentils tossed in a tangy soy-ginger sauce.
Lentil Soup with Coconut and Lime
A creamy soup combining lentils with coconut milk, lime juice, and fresh cilantro for brightness.
Lentil and Beetroot Burgers
Vibrant burgers made by combining lentils and grated beetroot, perfect for grilling or baking.
Lentil and Eggplant Stew
A rich stew of lentils, roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and Middle Eastern spices.
Lentil and Pumpkin Curry
A seasonal curry balancing the sweetness of pumpkin with the earthiness of lentils and warming spices.
For more inspiration on vegetarian dishes and hearty meals, explore our Bread And Gravy Recipe or try the Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes for exciting twists on plant-based cooking.
Conclusion
Lentils truly are a vegetarian kitchen staple that can elevate your meals with their rich texture and impressive nutrition. These 19 vegetarian lentil recipes showcase just how versatile and delicious lentils can be, from soups and salads to burgers and curries.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or entertaining guests, these recipes offer something for everyone.
By incorporating lentils into your diet, you’re embracing a sustainable and healthy ingredient that supports both your well-being and the environment. So grab your pot and get cooking—your taste buds and body will thank you for it!
📖 Recipe Card: 19 Vegetarian Lentil Recipes
Description: A collection of 19 delicious and nutritious vegetarian lentil recipes perfect for any meal. Each recipe is simple to prepare and packed with protein and fiber.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green lentils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Rinse lentils under cold water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened.
- Stir in cumin and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute.
- Add lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or rice.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 45 g
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