Cheap Vegan Lentil Recipes for Easy and Healthy Meals

Lentils are a true hero in the world of vegan cooking—nutritious, versatile, and incredibly affordable. Whether you’re a college student on a tight budget, a busy family looking for quick meals, or simply someone wanting to eat more plant-based, cheap vegan lentil recipes are your new best friend.

These tiny legumes pack a big punch: they’re loaded with protein, fiber, and essential minerals, plus they soak up flavors like a dream. In this post, I’ll share several of my favorite budget-friendly vegan lentil recipes, from comforting soups to hearty salads and savory stews.

All are easy to make with pantry staples, require minimal prep, and can be batch-cooked for the week. Get ready to discover how a simple bag of lentils can transform into a variety of mouthwatering, nourishing meals that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-Friendly: Lentils are among the most economical protein sources—perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping on a budget.
• Nutrient Dense: Packed with protein, fiber, iron, and folate, lentils support overall health and energy.
• Versatile: These recipes cover soups, salads, stews, and even patties—there’s something for every craving!
• Easy to Prepare: No fancy equipment needed—just basic kitchen tools and a few pantry staples.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Lentil dishes store and reheat beautifully, making them ideal for lunches or busy weeknights.
• Great for All Diets: Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly—these recipes suit nearly everyone.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients for three classic cheap vegan lentil recipes: Lentil & Vegetable Soup, Spiced Lentil Stew, and Lentil Salad with Lemon Dressing.

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Colander or fine mesh sieve (for rinsing lentils)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl (for salad)
• Ladle (for serving soup or stew)

Instructions

Lentil & Vegetable Soup

1. Prep the ingredients: Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and potato. Mince the garlic.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and paprika. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Simmer the soup: Add rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, diced potato, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
5. Cook: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils and vegetables are tender.
6. Add greens and season: Stir in spinach or kale and cook for 3-5 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Finish and serve: Turn off the heat, stir in fresh parsley, and ladle into bowls. Enjoy with crusty bread!

Spiced Lentil Stew

1. Prepare vegetables: Dice onion, carrot, and celery. Mince garlic.
2. Sauté base: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook onion, carrot, and celery for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add spices and garlic: Add garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Build the stew: Add lentils, canned tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir well.
5. Simmer: Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally and add water if the stew thickens too much.
6. Finish and adjust: Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook for 3 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and enjoy with rice or flatbread.

Lentil Salad with Lemon Dressing

1. Cook lentils: Rinse 1 cup dry lentils. Place in a pot, cover with water, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and let cool.
2. Prepare veggies: Dice onion, carrots, and celery. Mince garlic. Chop parsley.
3. Make dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble salad: Add cooled lentils, vegetables, and parsley to the bowl. Toss to combine.
5. Season and chill: Adjust seasoning as needed. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
6. Serve: Serve cold or at room temperature as a main or side dish.

Tips & Variations

• Use any lentils: Brown, green, or French lentils hold their shape well, but red lentils cook faster and create a creamier texture—perfect for thick stews.
• Add extra veggies: Zucchini, bell pepper, sweet potato, or green beans are delicious additions and help clean out your fridge.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes, smoked paprika, or curry powder for a flavor boost.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or blend part of the soup for a creamy consistency.
• Batch cook & freeze: Double the recipe and freeze leftovers in portioned containers for easy meals later.
• Try international twists: Add ginger and curry powder for an Indian-inspired dal; cumin and coriander for Middle Eastern flair; or Italian herbs for a Mediterranean touch.

“Lentils are a blank canvas for flavor—don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite herbs, spices, and seasonal vegetables!”

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the approximate nutrition per serving of lentil soup or stew (based on 1/6 of the recipe):

Note: Nutrition will vary based on exact ingredients and serving size.

Serving Suggestions

• With bread: Serve with simple toasted bread, pita, or naan to soak up every drop.
• Over grains: Spoon stew or soup over brown rice, quinoa, or barley for a heartier meal.
• As a side: Pair lentil salad with roasted veggies or a leafy green salad for a full meal.
• Topped with extras: Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds, vegan yogurt, or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Lunchbox: Pack lentil salad or soup in a thermos for a protein-rich, portable lunch.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for affordable, healthy, and delicious vegan meal ideas, lentils are your ticket to success. With just a few pantry staples and fresh veggies, you can create a week’s worth of satisfying lunches and dinners that don’t break the bank.

These cheap vegan lentil recipes are proof that eating plant-based can be both nourishing and budget-friendly—without sacrificing flavor or variety. Try mixing up the spices, swapping in seasonal produce, or serving with different grains to keep your meals exciting.

Ready to make lentils a staple in your kitchen? Start with these recipes and let your creativity lead the way.

For more creative and plant-based ideas, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or explore hearty comfort foods like our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food. If you’re craving a unique vegan twist, don’t miss our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for even more budget-friendly inspiration!

With these recipes in your repertoire, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy healthy, affordable, and satisfying vegan meals. Happy cooking!

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