24 Vegetarian Lentil Recipes (that are totally not boring!)
Lentil recipes for skeptics! These meatless lentil recipes are anything but boring, and will get you thinking differently about this humble legume. Fall in love with lentils and reap the rewards of their budget friendliness and amazing health benefits. Red, green, brown and yellow lentils all deserve a place in your heart!
As a vegetarian, lentils are one of my favorite ingredients to cook with! But they sometimes still get a bad rep for being boring, or unimaginative, or just a little too healthy. I am on a one woman mission to change the image of this humble but oh so versatile legume.
If you’d told me 10 years ago I’d be championing lentils on the internet for a living, I’d have fallen off my chair but here we are.
Lentils have many virtues. Let’s discuss.
Lentils are cheap
Canned lentils or lentils in a pouch? Pretty darn cheap. A bag of dried lentils? Ridiculously cheap. There are some very economical meals you can make with lentils.
If you want to slash your grocery budget, pleeeease buy some dried lentils and read on.
Lentils are nutritious
Lentils have so much going for them in terms of nutritonal benefits:
- An excellent plant based protein source
- High in fibre
- High in plant based iron (remember to add some vitamin C to the party to make sure it can be absorbed)
- A great source of folate… so if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, get on board with lentils!
(Source of nutritional wisdom is the highly qualified Katie @ Hey Nutrition Lady)
Lentils are adaptable
You will find recipes here that span all sorts of different cuisines. We can use lentils to replace meat in American, Mexican and Italian dishes (to name a few). We can also look at cuisines which have traditional lentil recipes, cooked to perfection.
Whatever your fave cuisine, I bet we can work some lentils into it.
Vegetarian Lentil Recipes
Vegetarian lentil recipes that are anything but boring, and will get you thinking differently about this humble but surprisingly versatile legume.
Recipes from Happy Veggie Kitchen
Smothered Lentil Burritos
Spiced lentils, beans and rice make for a hearty and filling vegetarian burrito! Smothered in avocado sauce and baked, this healthy and protein packed burrito will be a definite crowd pleaser.
One Pot Pasta with Cheesy Lentil Sauce
An easy one pot vegetarian pasta dinner that the whole family will love! The protein packed cheesy tomato lentil sauce is thick, creamy and comforting. There is minimal chopping, everything cooks in one pan, and it's on the table in 20 minutes.
Coconut Lentils with Caramelized Onions
Red lentils and caramelized onions in a sweet coconut sauce. A creamy, mild and naturally sweet dish that is simple to prepare and works well as a side dish or a main meal with rice. These coconut lentils are vegetarian, vegan and great for babies and kids.
Smoky Lentil & Buffalo Mozzarella Tacos
These easy vegetarian lentil tacos are ready in under 30 minutes! The lentils are deliciously spiced and smoky, with fresh tangy mozzarella and creamy avocado to top it off. Using canned green lentils makes this recipe come together quickly and easily, for a healthy 30 minute dinner.
The Best Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie
Lentil, quinoa & barley vegetarian shepherd's pie with a potato, parsnip and goats cheese topping! This veggie pie is packed with flavor and texture. It's sure to be adored by your family and is one of the healthiest comfort food dishes you can prepare.
Lentil & Kale Vegetarian Quesadillas
This is a healthy, easy vegetarian quesadilla recipe with a difference! Smoky lentils and wine-infused kale pair with melted provolone cheese for a flavor combo unlike any vegetarian quesadilla you've had before. Topped off with creamy avocado, this makes a delicious lunch or dinner.
Lentil Sweet Potato Nachos
These clean eating sweet potato nachos will win you over! Baked sweet potato rounds are loaded with tasty barbecue lentils, havarti cheese and guacamole. You won't even know you're eating so healthy.
Green Lentil Spaghetti Bolognese
This tasty vegetarian and vegan green lentil bolognese is the perfect weeknight dinner, packed with veggies and green lentils in a rich tomato sauce. This bolognese sauce is kid friendly and sure to win over anyone who tries it.
Recipes from Blogger Friends
Easy Smoky Lentil Sloppy Joes
Delicious, easy Lentil Sloppy Joes that can be made in your Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stovetop.
Recipe by Gwen @ Delightful Adventures
Restaurant Style Dal Makhani
Dal Makhani is a creamy, rich and flavorful lentil dish made using whole black lentil and mild spices. It goes very well with rice or any Indian bread like Naan or Paratha.
Recipe by Neha @ Whisk Affair.
Deep South Homemade Vegan Meatloaf
Deep south homemade vegan meatloaf made with lentils and oats. Super satisfying, savory, meaty, hearty and easy to make. It’s nothing like mom’s…it’s better! Ouch.
Recipe by Shane @ Shane and Simple
Slow Cooker Lentil Tortilla Soup
Thick and hearty, this Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Tortilla Soup recipe is the perfect weeknight meal! You’ll love the spicy flavor and you won’t miss the meat!
Recipe by Aimee @ Shugary Sweets
Slow Cooker Vegan Chili Cheese Lentil Dip
The perfect plant-based snack – this Slow Cooker Vegan Chili Cheese Lentil Dip is full of spicy chili flavor and a delicious and satisfying meaty texture.
Recipe by Kara Lydon
Beluga Lentil Salad with Halloumi Croutons
This quick and easy Beluga Lentil Salad recipe is made with salty, chewy halloumi croutons to take it to the next level. Make it with black lentils, Puy lentils, or French green lentils, this is a healthy lentil salad recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Recipe by Katie @ Hey Nutrition Lady
Vegan Moussaka
This vegan moussaka is Greek comfort food at its finest. It’s loaded with flavor from layers of roasted eggplant, fluffy mashed potatoes, nutrition-packed lentils and chickpeas, and a creamy vegan Bechamel sauce. Dig in!
Recipe by Nicole @ Delicious Everyday
Mujadara - Lentils Rice with Crispy Onions
Mujadara is a simple Lebanese lentil and rice dish with crispy onions that’s packed with flavor. This lentils and rice recipe calls for a few ingredients and is very easy to make.
Recipe by Shadi @ Unicorns in the Kitchen
Thai Lentil Burger Recipe
Spicy, hearty and full of flavors: these lentil veggie burgers are made Thai style. Enticing for foodies of all ages.
Recipe by Sophie @ My Dainty Soul Curry
Baked eggplant with lentils, tomatoes and a herby topping
Rich, and oh so delicious baked eggplant with garlicky, spicy lentils and tomatoes and a fresh herby topping.
Recipe by Amber @ Quite Good Food
Veggie Chilli with Lentils & Sweet Potato • The Cook Report
This comforting veggie chilli is a healthy dinner recipe made with lentils and sweet potato. It’s spicy and filling and makes the ideal vegetarian comfort food!
Recipe by Amy @ The Cook Report
Orange-Shallot Tofu with Avocado Served on a Bed of Roasted Lentils
An impressive combination which proves that sometimes simple homey dishes can be the best dinners.
Recipe by Debi @ Life Currents
Lentil Vegetable Nuggets
Healthy, Kid-friendly, simple and easy to make, Perfect for any party as an appetizer or snacks.
Recipe by Dhwani @ Cooking Carnival
Keema Lentils
These spicy & flavourful Indian style Keema Lentils are ridiculously easy to make. Cook in a pan for a speedy dinner or use a slow cooker for a more leisurely approach.
Recipe by Melanie @ A Virtual Vegan
5-Ingredient Lentil-Bruschetta Salad Pitas
French green lentils mixed with simple bruschetta and arugula, stuffed into a whole wheat pita, and topped with just enough feta cheese to remember that you’re not a vegan.
Recipe by Caitlin @ Frugal Nutrition
Lentil Shakshuka
A twist on traditional shakshuka, this one uses lentils instead of beans and would make a wonderfully delicious and comforting dinner with a chunk of a baguette to sop up all the juices.
Recipe by Shashi @ Savory Spin