Use These 10 Easy Lentil Recipes To Create Sustainable Meals

Lentils are a powerhouse ingredient that deserves a spot in every kitchen. They’re packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthier, save money, and cook more sustainably. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can use them in soups, salads, burgers, and even hearty stews. Whether you’re a vegan or vegetarian, a longtime lentil lover, or just starting to explore plant-based meals, this list of easy and delicious lentil recipes will help you create flavorful, satisfying dishes with minimal effort.

Health Benefits of Lentils

Lentils are one of the healthiest foods you can add to your diet. They’re packed with plant-based protein, making them a great alternative to meat. They’re also full of fiber, which helps keep your digestion running smoothly and keeps you feeling full for longer. Lentils are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals like iron, folate, and magnesium, which support energy levels, brain function, and heart health.

Plus, they’re naturally low in fat and high in antioxidants, helping to reduce inflammation and support overall wellness. With so many benefits in one tiny legume, it’s no wonder lentils are a staple in healthy eating!

For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sources:

Different types of Lentils

1. Brown Lentils

Appearance: Light to dark brown, medium-sized.
Flavor: Earthy and mild.
Cooking: 20–30 minutes.
Best Uses: Soups, stews, salads, and veggie burgers.
Note: These hold their shape well but can become slightly mushy if overcooked.

2. Green Lentils

Appearance: Shades of green, ranging from pale to deep green.
Flavor: Peppery and robust.
Cook Time: 30–45 minutes.
Best Uses: Salads, side dishes, and casseroles.
Note: Often used in French cuisine, especially in dishes like lentil salads.

3. Red and Yellow Lentils

Appearance: Orange, red, or golden yellow; often split.
Flavor: Sweet and nutty.
Cook Time: 10–20 minutes.
Best Uses: Curries, dals, purees, and soups.
Note: These cook quickly and tend to break down, creating a soft and creamy texture.

4. Black Lentils (Beluga Lentils)

Appearance: Small, shiny, black lentils resembling caviar.
Flavor: Rich and earthy.
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes.
Best Uses: Salads, grain bowls, and as a side dish.
Note: Retain their shape well when cooked.

person purchasing lentils at a grocery store

Basic Lentil Preparation

Rinse: Always rinse lentils before cooking to remove dust and debris.
No Soaking Needed: Unlike beans, lentils don’t require soaking.
Add Flavor: Using olive oil, Sautee aromatics over medium heat like garlic, onions, a bay leaf, or tomato paste
Add your dry lentils to the pan and cover with water. Use vegetable broth for extra flavor.
Let the liquid absorb into the lentils until tender
Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon juice
Avoid Salt During Cooking: Add salt toward the end of cooking to avoid toughening the lentils.

Each type of lentil has its own ideal use, so choosing the right one depends on the dish you're preparing!

How to Store Cooked Lentils for Meal Prep

One of the easiest ways to start eating more lentils in your diet is to start including them in your meal prep. With only about 15 minutes of cooking time, you can have a blank canvas for many of the recipes below. The good thing is that the recipes below will transform them into complex flavors using aromatic spices and fresh veggies. Store the prepared pantry staple in your refrigerator in an airtight container and use within a week for best results.

Lentil Recipes to Enjoy

From Hearty Soups to pasta sauce, these will be your favorite lentil recipes. Click on each link to get step-by-step instructions on how to prepare each one. It's amazing how these tiny legumes can transform your meals to be hearty and delicious that the whole family can enjoy.

Click on the links to get step-by-step instructions.

Red Lentil Casserole Bake

There's a reason people fell in love with casseroles – they are easy to make, feed a lot of people, and are cheap and delicious. This red lentil casserole is a deliciously satisfying dish packed with protein-rich lentils, umami-rich mushrooms, and nutrient-dense zucchini. Topped with melty cheddar cheese, it’s a hearty, one-dish wonder. Serve with crusty bread, over rice, or potatoes!

See Recipe

Lentils & Elbow Pasta

Budget-Pasta and Lentils are a great way to incorporate protein and fiber into your meals, and most importantly, at a low cost. Budget-friendly meals seem more important than ever before, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be good for you, good for the planet, and most importantly, tasty.

See Recipe

Spaghetti Squash & Lentils

If you're searching for a wholesome, planet-friendly meal that'll tantalize your taste buds while leaving a minimal carbon footprint, look no further. In today's culinary adventure, we're diving headfirst into the world of spaghetti squash and lentils – a dynamic duo that promises both flavor and sustainability. Join me as I walk you through the intricacies of this veggie-centric masterpiece!

See Recipe Video

Blended Lentil & Tomato Soup

Creamy tomato and lentil soup takes a fan favorite and an underdog and combines them together to form a nutrient-packed and hearty soup. With some simple ingredients, you can make a protein-packed version of the classic tomato soup merged with a vegan lentil soup. The result is a velvety smooth soup, rich in color, texture, and earthy flavor that the whole family will enjoy. This delicious soup is ready in just about 30 minutes, but I'm also sharing some time-saving tips to get it ready in as little time as possible.

The soup makes about four servings, each just under 300 calories, 13 g protein, and 10 g fiber!

See Recipe

Lentil Soup

I like this recipe even though I didn't come up with it. It uses pantry ingredients and makes your life easy. It's perfect for a day when you don't feel like cooking. You can just throw everything in a pot and have dinner ready in 30 minutes. My only critique is that I omit the spinach and top it with parmesan cheese.

See Recipe

Lentil Tacos

This recipe was featured in our blue zones recipes list. A simple and tasty meal, you can transform your lentils into a savory and texturally appealing taco. Top with avocado and pickled red onions and you'll have yourself a great meal!

See Recipe

Daal Tadka

Dal is a staple food in Indian cuisine, eaten with rice, chapati, or naan. It is a versatile dish that can be made in many different ways, with a variety of spices and vegetables.

See Recipe

Lentil Salad

Lentil salad can be served as a main course, a side dish, or even a light snack. It's a popular choice for picnics, potlucks, and meal prepping due to its portability and ability to hold up well over time. There's no set recipe here, just make lentils your favorite way. Then serve with some fresh vegetables for textural differences that will be sure to be refreshing in the summer!

sliced vegetables on white ceramic plate

Curried Lentils and Rice

Curried lentils are lentils made in a curry sauce. Often times they are mixed in with other things like chickpeas, cauliflower, and potatoes. Depending on your preference, you can serve it with with rice and na'an bread or roti. I don't have a recipe here, but if you find a good one, let me know in the comments below!

Lentil Bowl

A lentil bowl can literally be whatever you want it to be. Serve it with rice or sweet potatoes, add some tortillas or lettuce. It's totally up to you! Make sure you top it with some things like a creamy sauce and some fresh veggies. Some great options are thinly sliced radish or pickled onions for bold flavor. Make sure you follow along for more creative recipes!