15 Plant-Based Spicy Lentil Recipes

Lentils are inexpensive, high in protein, and work well in a variety of dishes. They have a natural earthy flavor that goes perfectly with spicy ingredients. So if you’re looking to pack some more protein into your diet with a spicy kick, then this is the list for you. Enjoy!

1. Spicy Lentil Soup with Ginger & Coconut Milk

Source: Spicy Lentil Soup with Ginger & Coconut Milk

This Spicy Lentil Soup with Ginger & Coconut Milk by Natalie Yonan has both Indian and Asian influences! This soup can serve with good freshly baked bread or Indian naan bread! If you halve the amount of water, it also works as a casserole with rice or bulgur.

2. Spicy Lentil Rice Burgers

Source: Spicy Lentil Rice Burgers

This recipe is simple and quick. Made primarily with lentils, brown rice, and sunflower seeds, these Spicy Lentil Rice Burgers by Maya Sozer are protein and fiber-dense, so you can nosh knowing that you’re eating a wholesome and filling dish. A little vegan mayo goes great with this particular recipe: it has that cool-down creaminess without overshadowing the taste of the burger.

3. Spicy Lentil Mushroom Sauce Over Zucchini Noodles

Source: Spicy Lentil Mushroom Sauce Over Zucchini Noodles

Who said it should be complicated or expensive to eat delicious, healthy, and tummy-friendly food? This Spicy Lentil Mushroom Sauce Over Zucchini Noodles by Jenny Mustard has only seven ingredients and it’s super quick to throw together. It’s the perfect dish for during the week when you’re pressed for time, but it’s super-delicious in all its simplicity.

4. Idli Podi: Indian Spicy Lentil Condiment

Source: Idli Podi: Indian Spicy Lentil Condiment

Idli Podi is a pretty standard accompaniment to most South Indian breakfasts, especially with idly and dosa as a dipping condiment — and curiously, it’s great on toast, too! It is a simple combination of roasted lentils and chilis, ground to a coarse powder, and mixed with sesame oil before eating. The crunch and heat of this Idli Podi by Tina Dawson really do wake you up!

5. Sweet and Spicy Spinach and Lentil Curry

Source: Sweet and Spicy Spinach and Lentil Curry

Wholesome and delicious food does not have to be time-consuming or difficult! This Sweet and Spicy Spinach and Lentil Curry by Maria Koutsogiannis is a perfect example of how easy it can be to eat well, even when you’re on a tight schedule. This healthy dish is filled with beautiful and exotic spices balanced out by creamy coconut milk. This hearty curry is guaranteed to keep you warm, cozy, and satisfied during the chilly weather.

6. Chili Lime Lentil Tacos With Spicy Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Source: Chili Lime Lentil Tacos With Spicy Grilled Pineapple Salsa

These Chili Lime Lentil Tacos With Spicy Grilled Pineapple Salsa by Chrysta Hiser are a great high-protein and vegan taco option for you to try! They’re made with a perfectly-seasoned lentil mixture and topped with pineapple salsa. The contrasting flavors complement each other so well! These tacos are awesome on their own, but if you add some vegan sour cream or avocados, they’re even better. The mix of smokey and spicy lentils with the sweetness of pineapple salsa brings just enough heat and plenty of flavor to the table with these tacos.

7. Lentil Ball Wraps With Spicy Peanut Sauce

Source: Lentil Ball Wraps With Spicy Peanut Sauce

These Lentil Ball Wraps With Spicy Peanut Sauce by Tiana Haines make the perfect light lunch and will last you throughout the week. The lentil balls are elegantly spiced, tender on the inside, and crispy on the outside, and the peanut sauce gives them just the right amount of kick.

8. Quinoa and Lentil Vegetable Rolls With Spicy Mango-Tomato Sauce

Source: Quinoa and Lentil Vegetable Rolls With Spicy Mango-Tomato Sauce

These Vegetable Rolls by Simona Malerba are made of phyllo dough that is lovingly filled with a mixture of quinoa, lentils, zucchini, and fresh herbs. They make for the perfect finger food at parties because who can resist a savory pastry? Make it interesting by serving them alongside a spicy sauce made from tomatoes and sweet mango.

9. Red Lentil and Amaranth Protein Patties With Spicy Avocado Mayo

Source: Red Lentil and Amaranth Protein Patties With Spicy Avocado Mayo

These Red Lentil and Amaranth Protein Patties With Spicy Avocado Mayo by Renee Press are so simple to whip up, amazingly versatile, and almost fool-proof. They come together in no time, and you can change up the ingredients based on what you have in the fridge. Filled with lentils and amaranth, they are also extremely nutritious. They are great on top of a salad, as an appetizer with a nice dipping sauce, or make them slightly larger and serve on a bun as a tempting veggie burger. The possibilities are endless.

10. Spicy Potatoes with Coconut Milk and Lentils

Source: Spicy Potatoes with Coconut Milk and Lentils

During the winter months is important to make sure you’re getting all nutrients as a part of a balanced diet. Including warm flavors such as turmeric and curry, with filling starches like potatoes and protein from the lentils, these Spicy Potatoes with Coconut Milk and Lentils by Valentina Chiappa are sure to be a winter favorite.

11. Zucchini Noodles With Spicy Lentil Balls

Source: Zucchini Noodles With Spicy Lentil Balls

We have a feeling these Zucchini Noodles With Spicy Lentil Balls by Shanna Laychuk are going to become one of your favorites! Crisp raw zucchini is twirled into fresh vegetable noodles, topped with your favorite tomato sauce, and delightful spicy lentil balls. For some added zing and healthy fat, drizzle the whole bowl with reserved sun-dried tomato oil. Yum!

12. Spicy Peanut Curry With Lentils and Millet

Source: Spicy Peanut Curry With Lentils and Millet

This Spicy Peanut Curry With Lentils and Millet by Sonja Trurnit is made with a blend of spices and peanut butter for a rich, flavorful sauce. On top of an already stacked roster of ingredients, it includes savory tomatoes, hearty sweet potatoes, and kale. It’s served with lentils and millet on the side, so it’s sure to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

13. Bisi Bele Bath: Indian One-Pot Spicy Rice and Lentils

Source: Bisi Bele Bath: Indian One-Pot Spicy Rice and Lentils

This Indian dish by Kushi is traditionally called Bisi Bele Bath, which literally translates to a hot lentil rice dish, which is perfect because that’s exactly what it is. It’s a spicy, healthy, nutritious, and flavorful one-pot meal prepared using aromatic spices and vegetables of your choice.

14. Spicy Cauliflower Lentil Tacos

Source: Spicy Cauliflower Lentil Tacos

If you love spicy food, you need to make these Spicy Cauliflower Lentil Tacos by Parsley Vegan. The filling is made from protein-rich lentils that are blended with cauliflower and warm spices to make a savory filling that brings the heat. Top that with homemade coleslaw, which provides a cooling “crunch,” then sprinkle with pickled jalapeños and a drizzle of dairy-free cilantro crema.

15. Chipotle Lentil Taquitos

Source: Chipotle Lentil Taquitos

These Chipotle Lentil Taquitos by Steven Seighman are awesome. They’re on the spicy side because of the chipotle peppers, and they’re also not quite as caloric as the traditional Mexican version because they’re baked instead of fried. Both things make them super tasty. Give them a try and see if you agree! These spicy chipotle lentil taquitos make the perfect snack or even a light meal. They’re packed with protein and flavor and are super easy to make.

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