10 simple yet delicious lentil recipes that can be used for everyday meals. From yellow lentils to green lentils, these recipes are easy to make and perfect for busy weekdays and meal prep.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
What are Lentils?
Lentils are small, lens-shaped legumes that have been enjoyed around the world for centuries. Available in varieties like red, green, brown, and black lentils, each type has its own texture and cooking style, making lentils perfect for everything from comforting soups and hearty curries to fresh salads and quick skillet meals.
Simple, budget-friendly, and nourishing, lentils are an excellent choice for everyday meals—especially when you want something healthy without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why Lentils Are Perfect for Everyday Meals
- Quick and easy to cook: Unlike many dried beans, lentils don’t require soaking and cook in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. This makes them an excellent option for busy weeknight dinners.
- Affordable and pantry-friendly: Lentils are inexpensive, widely available, and shelf-stable, making them a reliable staple for everyday cooking and meal planning.
- Rich in plant-based protein: Naturally high in protein and fiber, lentils help create filling, satisfying meals—especially for vegetarian and plant-based diets.
- Versatile for many recipes: Lentils work well in soups, stews, curries, salads, rice dishes, and even veggie patties. Their mild flavor allows them to absorb herbs, spices, and seasonings beautifully.
- Nutritious and wholesome: Packed with fiber, protein, iron, folate, and complex carbohydrates, lentils support balanced, nourishing meals.
- Great for meal prep: Cooked lentils store well in the refrigerator or freezer and reheat easily, making them ideal for leftovers and make-ahead meal
Easy Vegetarian Lentil Recipes
1. Dal Tadka
This Indian restaurant–style dal tadka is a simple yet flavorful lentil dish made with a blend of split lentils and finished with a sizzling tempering of spices and chilies. Warm and comforting, it pairs perfectly with hot steamed rice or soft chapatis, and can also be enjoyed on its own as a hearty, nourishing bowl of soup.
2. Dal Soup with Vegetables
This comforting and easy mixed dal soup is made with moong dal (yellow lentils) and masoor dal (red lentils), simmered with vegetables, herbs, and fragrant Indian spices. Naturally creamy and rich in plant-based protein, this nourishing vegetable lentil soup comes together in one pot and is full of flavor. It’s the perfect choice for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a warm, satisfying meal on a cold evening.
3. Dal Khichdi (Lentil with Rice)
Dal Khichdi is a traditional Indian comfort dish made with rice and lentils—most commonly moong dal or toor dal—and often includes a variety of vegetables. This warm, nourishing, soup-like meal is widely enjoyed across India, especially when someone is unwell or recovering, as it’s light, easy to digest, and still packed with nutrition. In northern India, khichdi is traditionally cooked on Saturdays as a way to use up leftover vegetables from the week.
4. Green Moong Dal (Whole Green Gram Curry)
Green moong dal, also known as green gram curry, is a hearty Indian vegetarian dish made with whole green gram simmered in aromatic herbs and spices. This easy, high-protein recipe is both delicious and nourishing, and pairs perfectly with rice, chapati, or paratha for a satisfying meal.
5. Lentil Loaf Muffins
These lentil loaf muffins by The Rose Homestead is a fun twist on the classic meatloaf, made in muffin form, using hearty lentils instead of meat. Inspired by a more biblically based way of eating these muffins are perfect for a hearty breakfast or a quick meal.
6. Hearty Lentil Soup
This hearty lentil soup by The Peasant’s Daughter, is a comforting, satisfying meal made with nutrient-rich lentils, fresh vegetables, and warming spices. Full of flavor, nourishing, and budget-friendly, it’s the perfect bowl of comfort for any day of the week.
7. Lentil Hummus
This lentil hummus by Growing Through GAPS is a hearty and satisfying snack or side dish made with just three simple ingredients. It’s quick, easy, and very budget-friendly, especially for a large family. Once the lentils are cooked, this hummus comes together in under three minutes and makes it easy (and delicious) to enjoy more veggies.
8. Honey Cinnamon Lentils
This Honey Cinnamon Lentil recipe by Growing Through GAPS is a hearty, satisfying option for breakfast, dessert, or even a side dish. It’s incredibly easy to make and budget-friendly, making it a great choice for our large family.
9. Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup
This butternut squash and lentil soup by Green Homemaking is warm, comforting, and full of flavor. Mildly spiced and rich in plant-based protein, it’s naturally gluten- and dairy-free.
10. Dal Makhni
This slow cooker dal makhani by Magical Ingredients is a protein-rich and deeply comforting black lentil and kidney bean Indian dal recipe, it pairs perfectly with rice or rotis (or any flatbread) for a satisfying meal.
FAQs about cooking with lentils
What are lentils?
Lentils are small, edible legumes that cook quickly and are used in a wide range of dishes, including soups, stews, curries, salads, and rice-based meals. They’re a staple ingredient in many cuisines, particularly Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cooking.
Do lentils need to be soaked before cooking?
Most lentils do not require soaking. Simply rinse them well before cooking. Red and yellow lentils cook the fastest, while green and brown lentils take a little longer.
How long do lentils take to cook?
- Red or yellow lentils: 15–20 minutes
- Green or brown lentils: 25–30 minutes
- Black lentils: 30–40 minutes
Cooking times can vary depending on the recipe and the texture you’re aiming for.
Which lentils are best for soups and stews?
Red and yellow lentils are ideal for soups and stews because they soften and break down, creating a naturally creamy texture. Green and brown lentils hold their shape better and work well in heartier, chunkier soups.
Which lentils are best for salads?
Green, brown, and black lentils are best for salads since they remain firm after cooking and don’t turn mushy.
Why do lentils turn mushy?
Lentils can become mushy if they’re overcooked or cooked with too much water. To avoid this, simmer gently and start checking for doneness early, especially when using split lentils.
When should I add salt to lentils?
Salt can be added during cooking, but adding it toward the end helps prevent whole lentils from becoming tough.
How can I add more flavor to lentils?
For extra flavor, cook lentils with aromatics like onion, garlic, ginger, herbs, and spices, or use vegetable broth instead of water. Finishing with a spiced oil or tempering, as used in Indian dal, adds even more depth.
Are lentils healthy?
Yes, lentils are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, iron, folate, and complex carbohydrates, making them a nutritious and filling choice for everyday meals.
How should cooked lentils be stored?
Cooked lentils can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Are lentils good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Lentils reheat well and can be used in multiple dishes throughout the week, making them ideal for meal prep.
NEVER MISS A RECIPE!!
Join Our Free Monthly Newsletter List
Receive our latest recipes and tips straight in your inbox
