Lentils are one of the most versatile plant-based foods out there, so here are some vegan lentil recipes that are sure to give you some cooking inspo.
Lentils are one of my favorite plant-based sources of protein. Not only are they full of fiber and other essential nutrients, they are relatively low cost, and very easy to prepare. Lentils are part of the legume family, along with beans, peas, and chickpeas. They are rich in folic acid, an important nutrient, especially for pregnant women. Lentils are also a great source of potassium, a mineral that has been shown to help reduce hypertension. The protein in lentils make them a great healthy substitute for meat, and their high fiber content helps keep you full and satisfied.
Lentils come in red, brown, green and black varieties, and each have a unique texture and flavor profile. Brown lentils have a mild nutty flavor, and can be used to bulk up soups, stews, and chilis. Green lentils, also called French or Puy lentils, have a firmer texture and make delicious salads. Red lentils are mild and delicate and are wonderful in Indian dishes such as dal. There are infinite ways to prepare this excellent edible seed, but today I’ve put together ten of my all-time favorite plant-based recipes. I hope you enjoy these hearty and flavorful dishes!
Top 10 Tasty Plant-Based Lentil Recipes
Mini Curried Lentil Wellingtons
This vegan recipe for Mini Curried Lentil Wellingtons, each a crisp individual puff pastry filled with a delicious blend of lentils and spices, is great as an appetizer, entrée, holiday feature, or sophisticated hand-held sandwich at a picnic.
French Green Lentils Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
This classic French Green Lentils Salad with Cherry Tomatoes is a traditional salad recipe in France, and it can be the nutritional star of your plate at any meal occasion. This lentil salad is vegan and gluten free.
Pair this chili with a salad and a serving of rustic whole grain bread or my Cumin Cornbread Muffins, and you have a balanced meal in no time. You can also throw all of these ingredients into a slow cooker in the morning, and a savory, fragrant meal will greet you when you come home at the end of the day. You can use an Instant Pot to get the meal done even more quickly.Â
The secret ingredient in this recipe is fresh ginger—which offers just the right pungent, sweet-spicy bite. And the fragrance of this stew is quite impressive. Though this stew is so pretty, thanks to its sunny color of yellow lentils, red bell pepper, carrots, and tomatoes, you can shift the color palate with different choices of ingredients. You can try a different type of lentil (green, brown, red) or vegetables (green beans, peas, sweet potatoes) in the recipe.Â
Red Lentil Stew with Root Vegetables
This savory Red Lentil Stew with Root Vegetables is a bright, sunny shade of orange—the perfect way to cheer up the cloudiest of days. Its hearty flavor and texture make it ideal to pair with a simple salad or sandwich half.Â
Black Lentils with Delicata Squash and Mushrooms
Turn to pretty delicata squash, earthy mushrooms, and jewel-like black lentils to make this fabulous, hearty plant-based recipe for Black Lentils with Delicata Squash and Mushrooms, which is like a meal in one for a weeknight dinner or an impressive entrée on your holiday table.
These Spicy Lentil Tacos are filled with a variety of powerful herbs and spices, including garlic, chili peppers, chili powder, oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper, and cilantro. Heavy on flavor and health, you won’t even miss the meat in this plant-based recipe!
This vegan, gluten-free recipe for Mushroom Bomb Lentil Pasta is all about the umami quality of mushrooms, prepared with a touch of truffle oil and served with protein-rich lentil pasta.
Vegan Bolognese with Lentils and Walnuts
Cook up this easy, healthy Vegan Bolognese with Lentils and Walnuts for a hearty, plant-based, budget-friendly vegan bolognese recipe you won’t soon forget!
Herbed Lentil Patties with Mushroom Sauce
I love these easy Herbed Lentil Patties with Mushroom Sauce for a comfort food meal any day of the week. You can whip them up in no time. The creamy, savory mushroom sauce is an excellent topping. Serve this with whipped potatoes and a side salad for a hearty meal that will satisfy the mind, body and soul.
This vegan, gluten-free lentil bowl is filled with the goodness of lentils, squash, mushrooms, pomegranate arils, and pecans.
Vegan Pot Pie with Sage, Lentils and Mushrooms
This oh-so savory, comforting, deep dish Vegan Pot Pie with Sage, Lentils and Mushrooms is just what the doctor ordered (literally!)—filled with a rich lentil mushroom filling and topped with a flaky sage wheat pastry, it will comfort you with hearty nutrition, satisfying taste, and soothing aromas.
Mushroom Lentil Vegan Meatballs
Rich with the umami flavor of mushrooms and lentils, these Mushroom Lentil Vegan Meatballs get a healthful boost by way of high fiber cereal.
Black Lentil Pesto Salad with Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts
Gem-like black lentils are the start of this dramatic, colorful, gluten-free, plant-based dish, which is flavored with a pesto dressing and topped with brilliant roasted butternut squash and brussels sprouts.
Use the culinary technique of risotto—slow simmering in a flavorful white wine broth—in this savory, nutrient-packed, vegan, gluten-free recipe for Lentil Risotto with Peas.
For more of my favorite plant-based recipe collections, check out the following:
More Tools for Eating and Living the Goodness
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