Our 15 Best Lentil Recipes

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

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.

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. 

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

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. 

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."

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. 

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.

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

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

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."

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

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

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."

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