Lentils are loved all over the globe, because they’re easy to grow and delicious to eat. These recipes show off their versatility in taking on global flavors, from an Indian curry to a classic French salad with garlic sausage. Not convinced you love lentils? Just try a few of these dishes.

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  Lentils and Caramelized Celery

  The toasty flavor of caramelized celery pairs well with earthy lentils and an unusual finishing touch of dill, maple, and cider vinegar.

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  Spicy Red Lentil Dip

  This spicy lentil dip is similar to ubiquitous hummus, but instead of using dried garbanzo beans, which require soaking and a long boiling time, it uses red lentils. Red lentils don’t need to be soaked, and they cook in a speedy 10 minutes. Because they are so much smaller than garbanzo beans, they also yield a smoother dip—silky smooth, in fact.

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  Lentil, Tuna, and Roasted Red Pepper Salad

  Transform roasted peppers with a tangy vinaigrette, and then pair them with lentils, canned tuna, and fresh tomatoes for a tasty lunch.

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  Farro and Beluga Lentil Pilaf with Ginger and Cilantro

  Chewy farro and earthy lentils get a bright flavor boost from fresh ginger, cilantro, and rice vinegar in this satisfying vegetarian dish. Rice pilaf wishes it could be this delicious.

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  Red Lentil Dal with Winter Vegetables

  Dal—a thick, spicy Indian stew made with legumes like chickpeas and lentils—is a classic vegetarian dish. It's perfect for nights when you want quick, flavor-packed comfort food.  

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  Lentils with Garam Masala, Coconut, and Pomegranate

  Like a soup or stew, Indian dal features a delicious broth, as does this flavorful, creamy vegetarian take. Studded with jewel-like pomegranate seeds, this dish should be paired with raita (cucumber yogurt sauce) and naan bread for the most authentic dinner. Be sure to add the salt later in the cooking process so the lentils have a chance to soften.

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  Warm French Lentil Salad with Sausage

  This classic bistro salad would make a fine first course, but it's also good at the center of a weeknight meal. The very small, dark greenish-brown du Puy lentils (also called French lentils) are firmer than brown lentils and hold their shape better during cooking. In France, the sausage would be saucisson à l'ail, a semi-cooked, smoked garlic sausage. Kielbasa makes a fine substitute.

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  Recipe

  Lentil Salad with Hazelnuts and Cherries

  The nutty notes of a mild ale play well with those in the lentils and hazelnuts, while cherries and parsley add bright contrast to this hearty side dish. It’s a fantastic accompaniment to roast chicken or duck.