If I could only keep one pantry staple, it might be a bag of lentils. They’re cheap, they cook in about 20 minutes with no soaking, and they turn into everything from a cozy soup to a hearty dinner you can eat all week.
Below are my easy lentil recipes: soups first, then a few cozy lentil dinners, and a salad that keeps well in the fridge. All of them are cheap to make and full of fiber and plant protein.
Why I Cook With Lentils So Often
Lentils are one of the foods people eat most in the Blue Zones, the places where people live the longest, and it’s easy to see why. One cup of cooked lentils has about 18 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber, plus iron and folate.
They’re also forgiving. It’s hard to overcook a pot of lentil soup, and leftovers taste even better the next day, so a big batch on Sunday means easy lunches all week. Red and green lentils are worth keeping in your pantry at all times. I buy lentils and my other pantry staples on Thrive Market, a high-quality online grocer. Get 40% off your first order at Thrive Market here.
Which Lentils Should You Use?
Red lentils cook the fastest (about 15 to 20 minutes) and break down into a creamy, thick soup. They’re my pick for soups and curries.
Green and brown lentils hold their shape better, so they’re great for salads, side dishes and heartier dinners. They take 20 to 30 minutes.
Black (beluga) lentils are small and firm and look beautiful in salads. French green lentils are similar. Use whatever you have; each recipe below tells you which kind works best.
My 10 Favorite Lentil Recipes
Easy Red Lentil Soup with Lemon
This traditional red lentil soup recipe with lemon is the best lentil soup we’ve ever tried! It’s full of nutrients, fiber, protein, and hydration. You’ll want to make it over and over again.
Easy Lentil Soup Recipe
This easy lentil soup recipe is a family favorite! It’s super flexible and always delicious. See the notes below for substitutions if needed.
Red Curry Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker or Stovetop)
This Red Curry Lentil Soup is hearty, healthy, cozy, and full of flavor. Made with protein-rich lentils, creamy coconut milk, and fragrant red curry paste, it’s the perfect dump-and-cook soup for busy weeknights. You can make it in the slow cooker, stovetop, or Instant Pot, and it stores beautifully for meal prep.
Fall Favorite: Roasted Poblano Lentil Soup Recipe
Roasted poblano peppers give this lentil soup a smoky, cozy flavor. It’s one of my favorite fall soups and it freezes well.
Ham and Red Lentil Soup (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker)
This Ham & Red Lentil Soup is a cozy, nourishing meal made with simple pantry staples and rich, savory flavor. Red lentils break down as they cook, creating a naturally creamy texture without dairy or flour, while a ham bone adds depth and heartiness. Easy to make in the Instant Pot or slow cooker, this soup is comforting, protein-rich, and perfect for leftovers.
Coconut Lentils
Coconut Lentils are creamy, nourishing, and packed with warming spices. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or an easy weeknight meal. Plus, it’s naturally dairy-free, full of plant-based protein, and incredibly satisfying!
Easy Healthy Lentils with Potatoes Recipe
This Easy Healthy Lentils with Potatoes Recipe is delicious, inexpensive, and easy to make.
Green Lentils with Scallions, Garlic & Mint
Green lentils with garlic, scallions, and fresh mint make a delightful meal! Serve it with basmati rice for a delicious and nutritious meal. This recipe makes 2 large servings; double or triple it to scale as needed or for meal prep.
Easy Balsamic-Thyme Lentils Recipe
Hearty lentils simmered with celery, carrot, thyme and a splash of balsamic. Full of protein and fiber, and even better the next day.
Apple Cider Lentil Salad Recipe
We can’t get enough of the subtle sweetness of this Apple Cider Lentil Salad. It’s packed with flavor and easy to make. It’s also high in fiber and nutritious ingredients, making it a go-to lunch all week long.
FAQs About Lentil Recipes
Do you need to soak lentils before cooking?
No. Unlike dried beans, lentils don’t need to be soaked. Just give them a quick rinse in a fine-mesh strainer and pick out any little stones.
How long do lentils take to cook?
Red lentils take about 15 to 20 minutes and get soft and creamy. Green and brown lentils take 20 to 30 minutes and keep their shape. Taste a few to check; they should be tender with no chalky center.
Are lentils healthy?
Yes. Lentils are packed with fiber, plant protein, iron and folate, and they’re naturally low in fat. They’re one of the most budget-friendly healthy foods you can buy.
Can you freeze lentil soup?
Absolutely. Cool it completely, then freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and add a splash of water or broth when you reheat it, because lentils keep thickening as they sit.
How do I make lentils taste good?
Start with a good base of onion, garlic and olive oil, season well with salt, and finish with something bright like a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar. That last step makes a huge difference.
If you’re new to lentils, start with the Easy Red Lentil Soup with Lemon. It’s one of the most popular soups on my site for a reason. And if you love this way of eating, my Blue Zone Recipes roundup is full of more beans, greens and simple whole-food meals.
Which lentil recipe are you making first? Let me know in the comments!
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