Canned Lentil Recipes Vegan: Easy, Healthy Meal Ideas

If you’re looking to whip up quick, nutritious, and delicious meals, canned lentils are an absolute game-changer—especially for those following a vegan lifestyle. Lentils are a powerhouse of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, and using canned lentils saves you the hassle of soaking and long cooking times.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or someone who just loves convenient cooking, canned lentil recipes are perfect for any occasion. From hearty stews to fresh salads and vibrant wraps, these recipes are versatile, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying.

In this post, we’ll explore a variety of canned lentil recipes vegan that are not only simple to prepare but also bursting with flavor. These recipes use everyday ingredients and pantry staples, making them accessible for everyone.

Plus, you’ll discover tips and variations to customize each dish to your liking. So, get ready to embrace the humble canned lentil and create meals that nourish your body and delight your taste buds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Using canned lentils in vegan recipes is a huge time saver without compromising on nutrition or taste. Canned lentils are already cooked and tender, so you can easily incorporate them into your favorite dishes in minutes.

They provide a rich source of plant-based protein, iron, and dietary fiber, making them perfect for a balanced vegan diet.

These recipes are flexible and can be altered to suit your preferences, whether you want a quick lunch, a comforting dinner, or a protein-packed snack. Plus, canned lentils have a mild, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with a variety of herbs, spices, and fresh veggies.

You’ll find these dishes not only satisfying but also easy on your wallet and the environment.

Ingredients

• 2 cans of lentils (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
• Juice of 1 lemon

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Can opener
• Strainer or colander
• Serving bowls or plates

Instructions

1. Prepare the lentils: Open the canned lentils and pour them into a strainer or colander. Rinse under cold running water for 30 seconds to remove excess sodium and any canning liquids. Set aside to drain.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetables: Toss in the diced carrot and chopped bell pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until they soften slightly, stirring occasionally.
4. Spice it up: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder (if using). Stir well to coat the veggies and toast the spices for about 1 minute.
5. Combine lentils and tomatoes: Add the drained lentils to the skillet along with the canned diced tomatoes (including the juice). Stir everything together.
6. Add broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Season and finish: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Just before serving, squeeze the juice of one lemon over the lentils and stir. This adds a bright, fresh note to the dish.
8. Garnish and serve: Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Enjoy your hearty lentil dish with crusty bread, over rice, or in a wrap.

Tips & Variations

“To elevate canned lentils, always rinse them well to reduce sodium and improve texture. Adding acid like lemon juice or vinegar brightens the flavors beautifully.”

• Make it a stew: Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes with the broth for a more filling stew-like consistency.
• Spicy kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Herb swaps: Try fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano instead of parsley for different flavor profiles.
• Lentil salad: Use rinsed canned lentils cold in a simple salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and a lemon-tahini dressing.
• Use different canned lentils: Brown, green, or red lentils all work well, providing subtle texture changes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This versatile lentil dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Serve it over fluffy quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal.

For a lighter option, spoon it onto fresh greens or use it as a filling in whole wheat pita pockets or wraps.

Add a dollop of vegan yogurt or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra texture and creaminess. You can also enjoy it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for balance.

For more vegan inspiration, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or warm up with the comforting Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food.

More Delicious Canned Lentil Recipes Vegan

Mediterranean Lentil Salad

This refreshing salad combines canned lentils with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion. Tossed in a lemon-oregano dressing, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or picnic.

Add some toasted pine nuts for crunch and fresh mint for a cooling effect.

Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry

Use canned lentils to create a creamy, spiced curry with coconut milk and tender sweet potatoes. Serve with basmati rice and naan bread for a cozy, satisfying meal.

This curry is easy to double for meal prep or freezing.

Lentil and Vegetable Soup

A hearty soup packed with canned lentils, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, and kale. Season with thyme and bay leaves, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Perfect for chilly evenings or to take for lunch on-the-go.

Lentil Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Spice up canned lentils with taco seasoning and serve in corn tortillas topped with fresh avocado salsa, shredded lettuce, and vegan sour cream. A quick, flavorful weeknight dinner everyone will love.

Lentil Patties with Tahini Sauce

Blend canned lentils with garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs to form patties. Pan-fry until golden and serve with a drizzle of homemade tahini sauce and a side salad.

Great as a snack or main dish.

Conclusion

Canned lentils are an incredibly convenient and nutritious staple for anyone embracing vegan cooking. Their versatility allows you to create countless delicious meals with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, canned lentils provide an easy way to boost your protein and fiber intake.

With the recipes and tips shared here, you can enjoy hearty stews, fresh salads, comforting soups, and flavorful wraps that are all vegan-friendly and satisfying. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite spices and vegetables to make these dishes truly your own.

For more creative ideas beyond lentils, explore our other recipes like the Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe or the tangy Maple Bourbon Pickles Recipe. Happy cooking and enjoy the wonderful world of canned lentils!

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