Best Vegan Yellow Lentil Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals

Yellow lentils are a powerhouse ingredient in vegan cooking, beloved for their mild flavor, quick cooking time, and impressive nutritional profile. Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or just exploring vegan options, yellow lentils offer a versatile base for hearty, comforting meals that satisfy both the palate and the body.

From creamy stews to vibrant salads and spiced patties, these legumes can be transformed into countless delicious dishes.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the best vegan yellow lentil recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Each recipe is designed to be simple, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Plus, I’ll share tips to elevate your lentil dishes and ideas for variations to suit your taste buds. Ready to dive into the world of yellow lentils?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Yellow lentils are not only nutritious—they’re also incredibly adaptable. Their natural creaminess and subtle earthy flavor make them ideal for a variety of vegan dishes.

They absorb spices and herbs beautifully, allowing you to customize your meals with bold or gentle seasonings. Additionally, yellow lentils cook faster than many other legumes, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights.

These recipes focus on using simple, fresh ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. They’re budget-friendly and perfect for meal prep.

Plus, the dishes cater to different textures and flavor profiles, from soups to salads and patties. Whether you crave comfort food or something light and fresh, yellow lentils have got you covered.

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow lentils (washed and drained)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or any vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon juice, to taste
• Optional add-ins: spinach, carrots, coconut milk, or diced potatoes

Equipment

• Large saucepan or pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander or sieve (for rinsing lentils)
• Blender or immersion blender (optional for creamy soups)

Instructions

1. Prepare the lentils: Rinse the yellow lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your saucepan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds. Then add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, turmeric powder, ground coriander, and chili powder. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add tomatoes: Mix in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Cook the lentils: Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and stir well to coat with the spices and tomato mixture.
6. Add broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth or water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Season and finish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add fresh spinach or diced potatoes about 10 minutes before the end of cooking. For a creamier texture, blend part or all of the lentils using an immersion blender.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, stir in fresh lemon juice, and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot with rice, flatbreads, or as is for a hearty meal.

Tips & Variations

Tip: To cut down cooking time, soak yellow lentils for 30 minutes before cooking. This also helps improve digestibility.

Variation: For a creamy coconut lentil curry, add 1 cup of coconut milk along with the broth and reduce the broth quantity slightly. Add diced sweet potatoes for extra sweetness and texture.

Try turning leftover cooked yellow lentils into savory lentil patties by mixing with breadcrumbs, chopped onions, and spices, then pan-frying until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Yellow lentil dishes pair beautifully with many sides. Serve your lentils over fluffy basmati rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

For a lighter option, pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.

For an extra touch, enjoy your lentils with warm flatbreads or vegan naan. And if you want to switch things up, try them alongside roasted vegetables or steamed greens.

If you love exploring plant-based meals, check out these other favorites: Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe, Collard Green Casserole Recipes, and Chicken Shrimp And Broccoli Recipes.

More Best Vegan Yellow Lentil Recipes

Vegan Yellow Lentil Dahl

This classic Indian-inspired dahl is creamy, spiced, and incredibly comforting. It’s perfect for cozy dinners and packed with protein and fiber.

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow lentils
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Rinse lentils and soak for 30 minutes.
2. Heat coconut oil, add mustard seeds until they pop.
3. Add onions and sauté till golden.
4. Stir in turmeric and garam masala.
5. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
6. Drain lentils, add to the pot with broth.
7. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender.
8. Season with salt, garnish with cilantro, and serve.

Yellow Lentil and Vegetable Stew

Hearty and packed with colorful vegetables, this stew is a filling meal that makes excellent leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow lentils
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil, sauté onion, carrots, celery until soft.
2. Add garlic and smoked paprika, cook 1 minute.
3. Add yellow lentils and broth, bring to a boil.
4. Simmer 15 minutes, then add zucchini.
5. Cook another 10 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender.
6. Season and garnish with parsley before serving.

Spiced Yellow Lentil Patties

These crispy patties are perfect for sandwiches or as a protein-packed snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked yellow lentils
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Mix cooked lentils with onion, garlic, spices, and breadcrumbs.
2. Form mixture into small patties.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Fry patties 3-4 minutes each side until golden and crispy.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve with your favorite vegan sauce or in a sandwich.

Conclusion

Yellow lentils are a fantastic ingredient to keep in your vegan cooking repertoire. Their quick cooking time, nutritional benefits, and versatility make them ideal for creating wholesome meals that satisfy every craving.

Whether you’re making a warming dahl, a vibrant vegetable stew, or crispy patties, these recipes showcase the best of what yellow lentils can offer.

With just a handful of pantry staples and some fresh produce, you can whip up nourishing dishes that delight your taste buds and fuel your body. Don’t forget to explore the endless variations and adapt these recipes to your preferences.

For more delicious plant-based inspiration, check out our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or treat yourself to something sweet like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.

Happy cooking and enjoy the wholesome goodness of yellow lentils!

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