23 Lentil Recipes That Go Beyond Soup
While we love cooking with beans, it’s time to give lentil recipes their due. Unlike many dried beans—which often need an overnight soak or a spin in an Instant Pot—lentils cook quickly on the stovetop, usually in about 30 minutes. From fall-apart tender red lentils to sturdy French green or beluga varieties that hold their shape, there’s a lentil recipe for every mood and meal.
This recipe collection shows just how approachable, versatile, and budget-friendly lentils can be. Cook a big batch of the tiny, tender legumes once and turn it into a week’s worth of meals: crispy fried lentils for grain bowls, cozy soups, marinated lentils that get better the longer they sit, hearty lentil burgers, quick dals, savory pasta sauces, and protein-packed salads. Scroll on to discover our favorite lentil recipes—and plenty of inspiration for putting lentils on repeat.
Photo by Elliott Jerome Brown Jr, Food Styling by Emilie Fosnocht, Prop Styling by Sean Dooley1/23Adai
Not all lentil recipes keep the legumes whole. These savory South Indian dosas are made from soaked, blended mixed lentils and rice for a quick, high-protein meal. No fermentation required—just soak, blend, and cook.
Photo by Elliott Jerome Brown Jr, Food Styling by Emilie Fosnocht, Prop Styling by Christina Allen2/23Green Curry Lentils and Pasta
Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Kaitlin Wayne, prop styling by Stephanie De Luca3/23Lentil Musaqa’a
This vegetarian spin on the Egyptian classic swaps ground meat for split red lentils, which simmer down into a richly spiced, hearty base alongside eggplant and vegetables.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Taneka Morris, prop styling by Gerri Williams4/23Lentil Soup With Greens and Rice
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Mieko Takahashi5/23Dahi Bhalla With Tamarind Chutney
This beloved Indian snack starts with fermented lentil dumplings that are fried, soaked in yogurt, and finished with chutneys. It’s a celebratory lentil recipe (a mainstay of Holi) that’s worth making any time of year.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Pearl Jones, Prop Styling by Nicole Louie6/23Spring-y Rice and Lentils With Coconut Yogurt
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Taneka Morris, Prop Styling by Tim Ferro11/23Just-Keeps-Getting-Better Lentil Salad
Looking for lentil recipes that work for meal prep? Start here. This hearty (and hardy) lentil salad holds up for days and only improves as the flavors meld.
Photograph by Julian Cousins, Food styling by Adriana Paschen12/23Dal Palak
This spinach-packed red lentil dal is quick, affordable, and endlessly adaptable. Serve it with steamed rice or naan for a reliable, comforting meal.
Photo by Chelsie Craig, food styling by Kat Boytsova13/23Marinated Lentils With Lemony Broccolini and Feta
Photo by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Pearl Jones, Prop Styling by Anne Eastman15/23Kimchi-Lentil Stew With Poached Eggs
Inspired by the complex flavors of Korean kimchi jjigae, this is a one-pot lentil soup recipe that you could easily eat with a fork if you want to. She’s hearty.
Photograph by Yudi Ela, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Aneta Florczyk16/23Grilled Cauliflower and Broccoli With Lentils
When you need a nourishing, gluten-free main dish that involves minimal prep time, this is the recipe to make. You’ll need a grill, a blender, and plenty of olive oil.
Photo by Laura Murray, food styling by Susie Theodorou18/23Green Curry Lentil Soup
Fiery Thai green curry paste keeps things interesting in this spinach and sweet potato–packed soup. Serve it with your favorite steamed grain or a hunk of crusty bread.
Photo by Emma Fishman, Food Styling by Adriana Paschen, Prop Styling by Elizabeth Jaime19/23Beluga Lentil and Root Vegetable Slaw
Any crunchy vegetable or fruit can work in this colorful slaw. Try fennel, small turnips, or Asian pear, shaved or cut into matchsticks.
Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio23/23Chicken-Lentil Soup With Jammy Onions
