Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals into your diet, vegan veggie and lentil recipes are a fantastic way to nourish your body with wholesome, flavorful ingredients.
Lentils are a powerhouse of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, while fresh vegetables bring vibrant colors, textures, and vitamins to the table. Together, they create hearty dishes that satisfy both your taste buds and your health goals.
In this post, we’ll explore three of the best vegan recipes that combine lentils and various veggies in delicious, easy-to-make ways. These recipes are perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or impressing your friends with vibrant vegan cuisine.
Plus, they’re budget-friendly and packed with nutrition. Let’s dive into these hearty, comforting, and wholesome dishes that anyone can enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegan veggie and lentil recipes are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They showcase the earthy flavor of lentils combined with a bounty of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices.
Each recipe is designed to be easy to follow, with ingredients that are commonly found in most kitchens or local grocery stores.
High in protein and fiber, these meals will keep you feeling full and energized. They’re perfect for anyone seeking plant-powered nutrition without sacrificing taste.
Additionally, these recipes are great for meal prepping — they reheat well and taste even better the next day!
Plus, these recipes are fully vegan and gluten-free, making them accessible for many dietary preferences. You’ll love how simple it is to create comforting, vibrant dishes that satisfy your cravings and support your well-being.
Ingredients
Lentil and Vegetable Stew
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Curried Lentil and Veggie Bowl
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
- 1 cup cooked green lentils (about 1/3 cup dry)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Large saucepan or pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander or fine mesh strainer
- Large mixing bowl (for salad)
- Optional: blender or immersion blender (for smoother stews)
Instructions
Lentil and Vegetable Stew
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal.
Curried Lentil and Veggie Bowl
- Melt coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add diced sweet potato and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in curry powder and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute to release flavors.
- Add red lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until lentils and sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve over quinoa or brown rice.
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
- Cook green lentils according to package instructions until tender but not mushy. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled lentils, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and parsley.
- Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Let the salad rest for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For extra protein, add cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes to any of these recipes.”
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
- 1 cup cooked green lentils (about 1/3 cup dry)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Large saucepan or pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander or fine mesh strainer
- Large mixing bowl (for salad)
- Optional: blender or immersion blender (for smoother stews)
Instructions
Lentil and Vegetable Stew
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal.
Curried Lentil and Veggie Bowl
- Melt coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add diced sweet potato and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in curry powder and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute to release flavors.
- Add red lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until lentils and sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve over quinoa or brown rice.
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
- Cook green lentils according to package instructions until tender but not mushy. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled lentils, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and parsley.
- Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Let the salad rest for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For extra protein, add cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes to any of these recipes.”
“For extra protein, add cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes to any of these recipes.”
Feel free to swap vegetables based on what you have on hand. For example, zucchini, kale, or bell peppers work well in the stew and curry bowl.
For a creamier stew, blend half of it and stir back in.
To make the Mediterranean Salad even more filling, add some cooked quinoa or bulgur wheat. This salad is also delicious with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch.
If you prefer spicier dishes, add a pinch of cayenne or chopped fresh chili to the curry bowl. For extra freshness, squeeze a bit of lime over the finished dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Recipe | Calories (per serving) | Protein | Fiber | Fat | Carbohydrates |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lentil and Vegetable Stew | 280 kcal | 18 g | 12 g | 7 g | 35 g |
Curried Lentil and Veggie Bowl | 350 kcal | 20 g | 10 g | 12 g | 40 g |
Mediterranean Lentil Salad | 230 kcal | 15 g | 9 g | 10 g | 25 g |
Serving Suggestions
These recipes pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to round out your vegan meal. The Lentil and Vegetable Stew is fantastic served with warm crusty bread or over steamed rice.
You might also enjoy it alongside a fresh green salad.
The Curried Lentil and Veggie Bowl tastes amazing over fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
The Mediterranean Lentil Salad can be served chilled or at room temperature and pairs beautifully with warm pita bread or as a topping for a vegan wrap. It also works well as a side salad for Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
For more vegan inspiration, check out this Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe.
Conclusion
Incorporating vegan veggie and lentil dishes into your weekly meal plan is an excellent way to enjoy nutritious, delicious, and satisfying meals. These recipes offer a balance of protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables that keep your palate excited and your body fueled.
From the comforting lentil stew to the vibrant Mediterranean salad, each dish is simple to prepare and packed with flavor.
Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or a vegan veteran, these recipes can easily be customized to suit your tastes and available ingredients. Explore the world of lentils and veggies with these tasty dishes and discover how easy it is to eat healthy and deliciously.
For more hearty recipe ideas, don’t miss the Chicken Shrimp And Broccoli Recipes and the luscious Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe – perfect additions to your recipe repertoire.
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Veggie and Lentil Stew
Description: A hearty and nutritious vegan stew packed with lentils and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a wholesome, comforting meal any day of the week.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add carrots, celery, bell pepper, and zucchini; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and cumin.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 35 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 40 g
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