Our 15 Best Lentil Recipes

By Hayley Sugg

France C

Lentils aren't the most glamorous ingredient, but they definitely deserve to be a staple of your pantry. Besides the obvious fact that they're delicious in everything from soups to salads, lentils are also budget-friendly, plant-based, and packed with protein. We've rounded up our top-rated lentil recipes, each with a minimum of 4.5 stars from users, to get you started.

Start Slideshow

1 of 15

Lentil Soup with Lemon

nellybird33

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fresh lemon brightens up this soothing soup. Vegetarian or vegan? Simply substitute vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth.

Advertisement

Advertisement

2 of 15

Tasty Lentil Tacos

RELcooks

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Lentils make a hearty, almost meaty, taco filling. "We are not vegetarian by any means, but even the kids agreed this is a pretty good taco!" says Michelle K.

3 of 15

Lentils and Rice with Fried Onions (Mujadarrah)

Octavia

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A traditional Middle Eastern dish, mujadarrah is the ultimate comfort food dish of cooked rice and lentils, which is then topped with perfectly caramelized onions.

Advertisement

4 of 15

Lentil and Sausage Soup

chica227

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Lentils make the base for this thick soup, but sausage adds rich flavor.

5 of 15

Sicilian Lentil Pasta Sauce

Angela F.

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Think of this recipe as a vegan-friendly bolognese. Lentils cooks down with chunks of zucchini and mushrooms for a hearty sauce that can be served with pasta or even spooned over a thick slice of toasted sourdough.

6 of 15

Lentil Salad with a Persian Twist

France C

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you need to switch up your salad game, this is the recipe for you. Krimille says, "It's so light and fresh tasting, yet filling because of the lentils."

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

7 of 15

Red Lentil Curry

Lea Eats

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Lentils are a staple of Indian cuisine and this recipe highlights all the reasons why. It's a vegan curry that's filling, budget-friendly, and perfectly spiced.

8 of 15

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

Beth

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Lentils, barley, and walnuts unite for an entirely plant-based spin on traditional shepherd's pie. "Even my husband who loves meat liked this one!" says rspagnolo.

9 of 15

Cumin-Spiced Red Lentil Burgers

mommyluvs2cook

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These diverse lentil-based burgers are delicious on a bun, tossed with salad, or stuffed into a pita.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

10 of 15

Lentil Soup

Catherine Akaruwo

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

When you're craving something warm and comforting, this soup checks all the boxes. Serve with a side of cornbread for dipping.

11 of 15

Vegetarian Moussaka

Mama Rho

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Lentils make up a layer of this hearty Greek casserole."Just made this and it turned out AMAZING!" says alexgorman. "The filling is surprisingly sweet but adds a lot of body to the dish."

12 of 15

Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Nsweetu4ia

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Great for meal prepping on the weekend for work lunches, this lentil salad only gets tastier the longer it sits.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

13 of 15

Sloppy Sams

pomplemousse

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A spin on sloppy joes, this lentil recipe can be made plant-based by using vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.

14 of 15

Lentil Chili

Nolan Tek

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Get a serving of both legumes and grains with this simple chili recipe. "This is easy, affordable and very healthy," says user Joyousfreee. "I'm adding it to my regular rotation of meals."

15 of 15

Delicious Lentil Loaf

HurdBird

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Lightly mashed lentils combine with oats, veggies, and spices for this plant-based loaf recipe. Try leftovers sliced and served in sandwiches.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Up Next

Advertisement