Lentils are loved all over the globe, because they’re easy to grow and delicious to eat. These lentil recipes show off their versatility in taking on global flavors, from an Indian curry to a classic French salad with garlic sausage.
They provide protein, fiber and vitamins as well, and with their hearty flavor, they are a great substitute for meat. Lentils do not need to be soaked beforehand (although if you do, you can reduce potential gasiness) and cook quickly in about half an hour. Undercooked lentils can cause gastric distress so make sure they are al dente to the touch. The most common lentils are green and brown, but you can also use yellow, red, black and white legumes.
Not convinced you love lentils? Just try a few of these dishes. And get some cooking tips from these articles:
Cooking Lentils, Dried Beans & Peas
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RecipeLentils 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. -
RecipeSpicy 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. -
RecipeLentil, 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. -
RecipeFarro 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. -
RecipeRed 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. -
RecipeLentils 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. -
RecipeWarm 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. -
RecipeLentil 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.
