Lentils, humble as they may seem, are nothing short of culinary all-rounders. A staple in many global cuisines, from Indian dal to French soups, these small but mighty legumes provide an easy, versatile, and tasty way to jazz up meals.

This guide will navigate you through an international journey of flavors, textures, and wholesome nutrition — all packed with lentils.

What Are the Health Benefits of Lentils?

Before we dive into the world of lentil recipes, let’s pause to appreciate the powerhouse of nutrition these little legumes carry.

Lentils are a high-protein food, making them an excellent option for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone seeking plant-based alternatives. They are fiber-rich, helping regulate digestion and keep you feeling satiated. Plus, their significant potassium content aids in maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Lentils are also a great source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy while helping maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

What Are the Different Types of Lentils?

Lentils come in a beautiful array of colors and sizes, each with their unique tastes and textures:

• Green Lentils: Robust in flavor and retaining a firm texture after cooking, they are perfect for salads and sides.
• Red Lentils: These lentils break down during cooking, creating a creamy texture ideal for thick soups and Indian dals.
• Brown Lentils: The most common type, these lentils have an earthy flavor and hold their shape well, making them versatile for many dishes.
• Puy Lentils: Also known as French lentils, these have a peppery taste and firm texture, excellent for salads and stews.
• Black Lentils: Also known as beluga lentils, they have a deep, earthy flavor and a firm texture and are perfect for salads or as a bed for proteins.

How To Cook Lentils: Tips and Recipes

Before we introduce the actual recipes, it is crucial to understand a few quick tips to make the best out of your lentils:

• Rinsing Lentils: Always rinse your lentils before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
• Soaking or Not: Unlike other legumes, lentils do not require soaking. However, for some recipes and specific types of lentils, soaking can cut down on cooking time.
• Check for Doneness: Different types of lentils have different cooking times. Regularly check your lentils for doneness to ensure they aren’t overcooked and mushy unless the recipe specifically requires it.
• Aromatics and Spices: Sautéing aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, or spices in olive oil before adding the lentils can add a depth of flavor to your dishes.

Now that you’re armed with this lentil knowledge, it’s time to step into the kitchen and start cooking! We’ve compiled a delightful list of nine lentil recipes, each brimming with flavors from across the globe and easily prepared in your kitchen.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty stew to warm you up on a chilly day or a refreshing salad for a light lunch, we’ve got you covered.

1. Lentil Soup

The first stop on our culinary journey is the classic comfort food — Lentil Soup. Here’s a simple, delicious recipe you can follow:

Ingredients: green lentils, olive oil, onions, carrots, vegetable broth, garlic, cumin, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

Prep and Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until soft.
• Add carrots and sauté for a few more minutes.
• Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, and paprika. Bring to a simmer and cook until lentils are tender.
• Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Serve warm.

2. Lentil Curry

Next, let’s travel to the Indian subcontinent with a hearty and nutrient-rich Red Lentil Curry.

Ingredients: red lentils, olive oil, onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, tomatoes, cilantro, and lemon juice.

Prep and Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger in olive oil until soft.
• Stir in the turmeric and cumin until fragrant.
• Add the lentils and tomatoes, then bring to a simmer. Cook until lentils are tender and the curry has thickened.
• Finish with fresh cilantro and lemon juice. Serve over cooked quinoa or brown rice for a complete protein-packed meal.

3. Lentil Meatballs

Now, onto an Italian twist — lentil meatballs. High in protein and packed with flavor, these are a perfect plant-based alternative to traditional meatballs.

Ingredients: cooked green lentils, olive oil, onion, garlic, cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, fresh herbs (parsley, basil), flaxseed meal, and marinara sauce.

Prep and Cook Time: 1 hour

• Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Allow to cool.
• Mix cooked lentils, sautéed onion and garlic, cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs in a large bowl. Season to taste.
• Form the mixture into balls and place on the baking sheet. Bake until firm and golden brown.
• Serve your lentil meatballs with marinara sauce and enjoy them as a main dish or an appetizer. They are a crowd-pleaser, for sure!

4. Lentil Tacos

Moving to Mexico, our next recipe is a vegetarian twist on the classic taco — Lentil Tacos. They’re as flavorful as traditional tacos but with a plant-based punch.

Ingredients: brown lentils, olive oil, onions, garlic, taco seasoning, cilantro, corn tortillas, and your choice of toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, or vegan cheese).

Prep and Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until soft.
• Add the lentils and taco seasoning. Sauté until lentils are cooked, and flavors are well-blended.
• Assemble your tacos by spooning the lentil mixture onto corn tortillas. Top with your choice of toppings, garnish with cilantro, and enjoy.

5. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Our next stop takes us to the cozy kitchens of Britain with a warm, comforting Lentil Shepherd’s Pie, the ultimate comfort food that is both nourishing and satisfying.

Ingredients: green lentils, olive oil, onions, garlic, carrots, peas, vegetable broth, and mashed potatoes.

Prep and Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Preheat your oven.
• Sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and peas in olive oil until soft.
• Stir in the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until lentils are tender.
• Pour the lentil mixture into a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake until golden brown.
• Serve hot, straight from the oven — it’s the perfect weeknight dinner.

6. Lentil Salad

The next recipe is a light and refreshing Lentil Salad, a dish sure to please a crowd at potlucks or BBQs.

Ingredients: Puy lentils, olive oil, red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, fresh herbs (parsley, mint), and lemon juice.

Prep and Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Cook the Puy lentils until tender. Drain and let cool.
• Combine the lentils, red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes in a large bowl.
• Toss with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Top with crumbled feta cheese.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature. This salad is a delicious way to enjoy lentils on a hot summer day.

7. Lentil Patties

Next up, we have Lentil Patties. These coveted patties are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.

Ingredients: cooked lentils, olive oil, onions, garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, and spices (coriander, cumin, black pepper).

Prep and Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until soft. Allow to cool.
• Mix the lentils, cooled onions and garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices in a large bowl.
• Shape into patties and pan-fry until golden brown on each side.
• Serve your lentil patties with a side of salad, or use them as a protein-packed filling for sandwiches and wraps. These are perfect for meal prepping as they freeze well.

8. Lentil Stew

Next, we venture to the bustling markets of Morocco with a warming, fragrant Moroccan Lentil Stew.

Ingredients: brown lentils, olive oil, onions, garlic, carrots, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, Moroccan spices (cumin, coriander, paprika), and fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley).

Prep and Cook Time: 1 hour

• Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots in olive oil until tender.
• Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and Moroccan spices.
• Simmer until lentils are soft, and flavors are well-blended.
• Stir in fresh herbs just before serving for added freshness.
• This stew is perfectly served with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy couscous.

9. Slow Cooker Lentils

Our final dish is a set-and-forget Slow Cooker Lentils recipe. This is a lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you want a nutritious dinner ready without much fuss.

Ingredients: green lentils, olive oil, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, spices (cumin, paprika, black pepper), and fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary).

Prep and Cook Time: 4 hours (slow cooker)

• Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until tender.
• Transfer the sautéed veggies to your slow cooker, add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, and spices.
• Cook on low for about four hours or until lentils are tender.
• Stir in fresh herbs before serving.
• This easy, one-pot meal is sure to become a staple in your meal plan.

Final Thoughts

Having journeyed through this flavorful exploration of lentil recipes, you should now be armed with diverse dishes to satisfy your nutritional goals and taste buds. However, remember that we at Luna Grill are your dedicated guides through the delightful terrain of Mediterranean cuisine.

Should you be orchestrating a social gathering and wish to dazzle your guests with dishes steeped in rich culinary tradition, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Our seasoned catering team stands ready to assist you in crafting the ideal menu for your event — a mere 24 hours’ notice is all we need. Here’s to delightful dining and the joy of exploring the wide world of lentils — no travel visa required!

Sources:

Health Benefits of Lentils and Types | Cleveland Clinic

13 of the Best Vegetarian and Vegan Protein Sources | Cleveland Clinic

Everything You Need to Know About Lentils | 2016 International Year of Pulses

Spices and aromatic herbs : what benefits for our health ? | Encyclopedia of the Environment