15 Hearty Lentil Recipes

Not only are Lentils super-affordable and filling, packed with protein, fiber, iron, and folate, but they can be incorporated into so many different dishes, all with their distinct flavors, textures, and colors. Highly versatile, lentils can be eaten hot or cold, in salads, soups, pasta, fritters, burgers, and more! If you’re a lentil lover, these 15 recipes will become your new staples!

We also highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App  — with over 20,000 delicious recipes it is the largest meatless, vegan, plant-based and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help you get healthy!

1. French Onion, Fennel, and Green Lentil Soup

Source: French Onion, Fennel, and Green Lentil Soup

This French Onion, Fennel, and Green Lentil Soup by Stephanie McKinnie is a twist on the classic French onion soup with the addition of French green lentils and crunchy fennel fronds. It has such a depth of flavor that will soothe your soul.

2. Sweet Potato and Sage Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Source: Sweet Potato and Sage Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

This Sweet Potato and Sage Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is a complete meal! You have your protein/base and yummy potatoes on top. This rendition by Kristen Genton has a mushroom and lentil filling with a creamy sweet potato and sage topping!

3. Lentil Lasagna Soup

Source: Lentil Lasagna Soup

A simple vegan Lentil Lasagna Soup. This easy and comforting soup by Caroline Doucet is packed with flavor and requires less than 30 minutes of work. Top it with vegan parmesan and you’ll have a delicious and nutritious vegan dinner.

4. Kale, Quinoa, and Lentil Salad

Source: Kale, Quinoa, and Lentil Salad

This Kale, Quinoa, and Lentil Salad by Julie Zimmer is easy to put together and versatile. You can add any fresh vegetables and herbs that you like. One dish will give you all the nutrients in the kale plus the protein and iron from the quinoa and lentils.

5. Pasta With Lentils and Artichoke Hearts

Source: Pasta With Lentils and Artichoke Hearts

Cumin, coriander, sea salt, and red pepper flakes create a robust flavor, which is then brightened with a splash of lemon juice. Savory lentils and artichokes bring their unique flavors and textures, making this hearty Pasta With Lentils and Artichoke Hearts by Crissy Cavanaugh the perfect dinner.

6. Tomato Basil Roasted Red Pepper Lentil Soup

Source: Tomato Basil Roasted Red Pepper Lentil Soup

This Tomato Basil Roasted Red Pepper Lentil Soup by Stephanie McKinnie is a comforting treat that can be served anytime of the year. The red lentils provide the heartiness and the roasted peppers, tomato and basil bring in comfort!

7. Lentil Mushroom Bolognese

Source: Lentil Mushroom Bolognese

If you’re lucky enough to find canned lentils at the grocery store, this Lentil Mushroom Bolognese recipe by Sarah Ottino will be easy-peasy. If you have to use dried lentils, be sure to soak them according to the instructions on the packaging before cooking this dish. This lentil mushroom bolognese is easy on the wallet and turns out flavorful, hearty, and chunky.

8. Lentil-Walnut Bolognese

Source: Lentil-Walnut Bolognese

This vegan Lentil-Walnut Bolognese recipe by Jeunesse Pouchet is super nutritious and delicious! The Lentils and walnuts pack in lots of protein and omega-3 and are a healthy replacement. It’s bursting with flavor from spices like geera (cumin), roasted garlic tomato sauce, and seasonings.

9. Lentil Patties With Lemon Tahini Dip

Source: Lentil Patties With Lemon Tahini Dip

These bite-size vegan Lentil Patties With Lemon Tahini Dip by Mitch and Justine Chapman are seasoned to perfection and full of plant-based protein. Dunk one in the garlicky lemon tahini dip, and we promise you’ll be licking your fingers clean.

10. Mushroom and Lentil Burgers With Pickled Red Onion

Source: Mushroom and Lentil Burgers With Pickled Red Onion

Looking for the perfect veggie burger? Well, look no further. These Mushroom and Lentil Burgers With Pickled Red Onion by Natalie Yonan are a two-for-one power combo of flavor and protein. Onions, garlic, smoked paprika, and mushrooms give it a smoky and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the pickled red onions, and cheesy vegan sauce. Serve these on toasted buns with plenty of sliced avocado.

11. Lentil Nuggets with Sweet and Sour Sauce

Source: Lentil Nuggets with Sweet and Sour Sauce

Craving chicken nuggets? Make a swap to this whole-food, plant-based alternative by Natalie Martin MS, RD and Lexie Staten MS, RD. These Lentil Nuggets with Sweet and Sour Sauce are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and they’re great finger food for kids. Enjoy these fresh out of the oven or as a leftover (even cold!)

12. Lentil Quinoa Burger

Source: Lentil Quinoa Burger

The season of outdoor and BBQ dining is in a full swift. This yummy and super healthy Lentil Quinoa Burger by Lena Novak is for those of you who prefer to make veggie burgers at home from scratch.

13. Dill Flavored Lentil Fritters

Source: Dill Flavored Lentil Fritters

Deliciously crispy Dill Flavored Lentil Fritters by Priya Lakshminarayan make for a great snack or breakfast. A recipe that’s light on the oil and easy to make. Do try it today!

14. Foolproof Mega Lentil Burger

Source: Foolproof Mega Lentil Burger

We can assure you that this vegan lentil burger is indeed foolproof. If you’re tired of mushy veggie burgers that fall apart, dry ones that taste like cardboard, or expensive store-bought ones with too many ingredients, then give this Foolproof Mega Lentil Burger by Renee Press a shot. You do need a food processor for this, but not much else. This protein-packed vegan lentil burger is made with lentils, brown rice, sweet potato, and onion; it’s an entire meal in lentil burger form! They’re so satisfying and nutritious!

15. Smashed Lentils with Grilled Vegetables

Source: Smashed Lentils with Grilled Vegetables

These Smashed Lentils with Grilled Vegetables by Elsa Brobbey are comparable to hummus but heartier with a chunky but creamy texture and can be used in countless ways, as a dip, spread, sauce, topping, etc. It’ll add that extra pizazz to many of your favorite dishes; try a few dollops over rice or swirled in a bowl of soup. In this case, serve the grilled vegetables on a bed of mashed lentils, add a slice of pita bread, and you’d be good to go. Enjoy!

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home

Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Unfortunately, dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer, and has many side effects. 

For those interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend purchasing one of our many plant-based cookbooks or downloading the Food Monster App which has thousands of delicious recipes making it the largest vegan recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here are some resources to get you started:

• Weekly Vegan Meal Plans
• Plant-Based Health Resources
• Plant-Based Food & Recipes
• The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition
• Plant-Based Nutrition Resources
• Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Recipes
• High Protein Plant-Based Recipes
• Plant-Based Meal Prep

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

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