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21 Best Green Lentil Recipes

Green lentils are a secret ingredient in a lot of plant-based dishes. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike love how nutritious and filling they are. Have you tried any green lentil recipes lately?

Green Lentil Recipes

There are many varieties of lentils, but green lentils are a fan-favorite thanks to their firm texture and relatively quick cooking time.

They go great in traditional meaty dishes, topped on salads, or mixed into a flavorful soup.

Keep reading to discover your next favorite green lentil recipe. You’ll love how easy and delicious all these dishes are, plus they’re packed with protein and fibre.

Here are recipes with green lentils that your entire family will love!

1. Best Lentil Soup

We love a great lentil soup! This vegetarian recipe features your choice of seasonal veggies plus leafy greens for great nutrition and taste.

The key to this recipe is the creamy texture you get from some blended lentils.

Once the lentils are cooked, you take some of them and process them into a creamy puree. Add that to the soup for a great texture without the fat and dairy you get from using actual cream.

Skip the canned soup and instead freeze this into individual portions. That way, you have a quick and easy lunch without all the fat and salt you get from processed food.

2. Instant Pot Lentils

Cooking raw lentils can be time-consuming, but not with the Instant Pot! Are you a sucker for easy Instant Pot recipes? These lentils are a must-try!

Depending on your lentil variety, you’ll set the Instant Pot to cook for 6-12 minutes.

This guide includes time for all types of lentils, and you can customize it based on how firm you want them to be.

You can season the lentils right in the Instant Pot, or simply add a little salt and pepper to the water.

Either way, you’ll love how easy and tasty these lentils are! Use them in your favorite lentil recipes throughout the week.

3. green-Lentil Curry

Green lentils make a vegetarian curry even more hearty and filling. This is a delicious comfort food recipe for anyone who loves curry.

The key is using green lentils, as this variety holds its shape throughout cooking and won’t turn mushy. Try using broth instead of water for a more flavorful dish.

Serve with rice, naan, and a dollop of yoghurt on top.

4. How to Cook Lentils

Lentils are great for plant-based meal plans, but first, you need to know how to prepare the delicious and filling ingredient.

Cooking lentils is an easy task as long as you know what to do!

Be sure to rinse your lentils before cooking them. Then you’ll add them to a pot of water and simmer until they reach your desired tenderness.

Different varieties of lentils require different cooking times, so keep an eye on the clock and instructions.

What do you do once you have cooked lentils? Use them as a meat substitute in all kinds of dishes, like soups, tacos, pasta, and salads!

5. Lentil Salad

This Lentil Salad is a delicious side dish for a summer meal. Skip the leafy greens and instead chop up colorful bell peppers and fresh cucumber to mix with the lentils.

The homemade lemon dressing is amazing!

The secret is using green lentils, which are tender but still have a bite to them. Try adding Feta cheese or tomatoes for an even more dynamic flavor profile.

If your lunchtime salads are getting boring, this lentil salad is a great way to mix things up.

6. Easy Lentil and Chickpea Curry

This vegan dish uses both Lentils and Chickpeas, so it’s packed with fibre and protein. It’s a restaurant-quality curry that’s ready in 45 minutes.

Want to make it even more quickly? Use pre-cooked lentils to save time!

Try including sweet potatoes to make this curry even more hearty and tasty. Coconut or brown sugar can balance out some of the spicinesses.

A little bit of lemon juice brightens up the dish, so definitely don’t skip that final step.

Serve this with naan or rice for a delicious weeknight dinner that the entire family will love.

7. Easy Lentil Meatballs (Vegan + GF)

Usually, meatballs include meat and flour, but not these vegan & gluten-free “meat” balls!

These Lentil Meatballs include Italian flavors, so they are a great addition to a marinara pasta or as a great appetizer.

But you can change the seasoning to match your dish.

Flax egg, coconut meal, and vegan parmesan cheese help create a meatless meatball that tastes authentic and holds together well.

Give the meatballs a quick browning on the stovetop, then finish cooking them in the oven.

Serve right away, or freeze for up for a month!

8. Green Lentil Spaghetti Bolognese

If you’ve changed to a plant-based diet, then you may miss the rich Bolognese sauce at your favorite Italian restaurant.

This easy green lentil recipe will allow you to enjoy everything you love about Spaghetti Bolognese without the meat.

Since lentils don’t have much taste on their own, you’ll want to be sure to pack the sauce with lots of flavors.

Garlic, onion, Italian herbs, and Worcestershire sauce all bring a great flavor to this pasta.

Butter will add even more richness to the dish, but you can skip that if you’re aiming for a vegan meal.

Add this sauce to your favorite noodles for a meal that will satisfy both adults and kids!

9. Classic Lentil Burgers

How about a burger that’s packed with nutrition and totally meat-free? This classic lentil burger will please everyone at your dinner table, even if they’re not vegetarians.

The burgers are filling, have a great flavor, and go great with any toppings.

You can use flax egg to make this recipe vegan, and skip any breadcrumbs if you want a gluten-free dish.

The herbs, tomato paste, and vegan Worcestershire give the burgers a great meaty flavor.

This is a delicious and satisfying plant-based meal!

10. Green Lentil Hummus

No chickpeas? No problem! This yummy recipe will allow you to make great hummus using lentils instead of chickpeas. How awesome is that?

You have to try this recipe for lentils, whether you’re out of your typical hummus ingredients or just want to put a fun spin on the classic dip.

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can start experimenting with your favorite hummus additions, like olives, jalapenos, or artichokes.

You can serve this with crackers or vegetables, just like traditional hummus.

11. Lentils and Ham

Lentils are great for plant-based meals, but they also go great with meaty entrees too. This Lentils and Ham dish is so flavorful and comforting, and it’s so easy to make!

If you’ve recently served a whole ham, the leftover bone and bits make an incredible dish. Lentils soak up so much fantastic ham flavor.

Just be sure to use a dark lentil like green, black, or brown. Lighter colors may get too mushy.

You’ll boil the bone into a delicious stock, and then sautee the onion, garlic, and lentils. Then simmer everything together until the lentils are tender.

This satisfying meal requires little effort, and it’s a great way to use up leftovers!

12. Coconut Curry Lentils

Meat eaters may think a vegan, gluten-free, healthy meal is boring, but they’ll delight in this delicious Lentil Curry. This dish has so many delicious flavors, including ginger, garlic, and Sriracha. But of course, you can customize the recipe to your own tastes.

The recipe calls for fresh kale, which adds great flavor and color to the curry

But you can also add other fresh vegetables you have on hand, like carrots or broccoli.

This curry is excellent for meal planners since you can make it ahead of time and put it all together on a busy weekday.

13. The Ultimate Vegetable Lentil Loaf

Have you ever had a meatless meatloaf? It’s a great meal to get your family on board for plant-based eating, and it’s so easy to make.

Start by precooking your lentils and sauteeing the vegetables. You’ll combine it all together with a customizable mix of herbs.

The flax egg and the mushed lentils help bind everything together This Lentil Loaf is loaded with vegetables, protein, and fibre.

Once you try making it, you may never go back to a traditional meatloaf again!

14. Easy Lentil Potato Soup Recipe

Lentils and potatoes make this vegetarian soup so filling. It’s a great comfort meal for a chilly day, and it takes less than an hour to prepare.

Leave the potato skins on for an earthy flavor and extra nutrition, or try sweet potatoes for a different taste.

Subbing vegetable broth for the water will add even more flavor to this yummy soup.

Serve this with crusty bread or your favorite crackers.

15. Lentil Banana Muffins

Lentils in baked goods may sound strange, but your entire family will go bananas for these muffins! You’ll feel good about feeding your kids these banana muffins since they have so much fibre and protein.

Cut down on the added sugar by subbing with pureed prunes instead. Or, make this treat even sweeter with chocolate chips.

Are you ready for a healthier breakfast? Prep these Lentil Banana Muffins ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week!

16. Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers With Lentils

Stuffed peppers are such a nutritious meal, but how about preparing some that are vegetarian but still high in protein?

Mushrooms and lentils add a meaty texture to the stuffing mix. Add the stuffing to pre-baked peppers, and then put them under a broiler with lots of melty cheese on top.

This colorful and filling dish will become a family favorite.

Try different seasonings to make this dish Italian, Mexican, or African inspired.

17. Green Lentil Dal Makhani

Dal makhani is a delicious Indian curry, and this recipe allows you to quickly make this restaurant favorite at home.

Black lentils are the traditional choice for Dal Makhani, but green lentils may be easier to find and still make a great dish.

Fenugreek seeds should be available at your grocery store, but you can use mustard seeds if needed.

Your curry is only as good as your Garam Masala, so invest in a high-quality mix to use in your Indian cooking.

Eat this dish on its own, or pair it with roasted veggies or tofu skewers.

18. Green Lentil Lasagne

You may be surprised how much you love this vegetarian lasagne recipe! The lentils lend an earthy flavor to the dish, which also features layers of rich cheese sauce and filling pasta sheets.

Use green lentils for the best texture, but you can also try using other lentil varieties.

You can freeze the lasagne to eat later, or serve it right away with a fresh green salad. It’s a delicious vegetarian meal that you’ll want to make again and again.

19. SIMPLE BRAISED FRENCH LENTILS

Lentils are often flavored as a meat substitute, but this recipe allows them to be the star of the dish! This best green lentil recipe for basic, flavorful lentils.

Once you’ve made these Braised French Lentils, you can enjoy them as a side dish or serve them on top of salads or bread.

Use French Green Lentils or Black Lentils, and include your favorite cooking wine and herbs.

You’ll love how wonderful the lentils taste in this simple dish. Plus, it’s so easy to make!

20. Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Even meat loyalists will love this Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie, which features a rich mix of lentils and onions topped with a potato-and-cauliflower mash.

Tomato Paste, Tahini, Tamari, Worcestershire Sauce, and Balsamic Vinegar give the lentil mixture a really meaty flavour, allowing it to rival the dish’s traditional lamb filling.

You can make the meal even more decadent by using all potatoes in the topping and leaving out the cauliflower.

Try adding veggies to the base for a more nutritious pie, or serve some steamed carrots on the side.

21. Evolved Lentil Wraps

This fresh recipe beats any restaurant wrap and can be customized with your favorite filling.

The yogurt sauce adds a great flavor and brightens up the entire wrap, but you can use a different sauce if you’re hoping for a vegan dish.

Use red lentils for a creamier filling, or choose green lentils if you like a firmer texture.

Add your favorite spices and sauces to add even more flavor to the wrap.

It’s also fun to make, so bring the kids into the kitchen for this great lentil dish!

Green Lentil Recipes

21 Best Green Lentil Recipes

Yield: 4 to 6
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsps olive oil
  • 3 medium carrots, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 celery stalk (about 2 ounces), cut into 1/4-inch pieces
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsps tomato paste
  • 4 cvegetable stock
  • 7 sprigs thyme, leaves stripped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 c dried brown lentils
  • 1 tsp lemon zest, plus the juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 c flat-leaf parsley leaves

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, sautee onions, carrots, celery, and 1 tsp of salt in hot oil for about 8-10 minutes, allowing everything to caramelize and turn brown.
  2. Add the garlic, cook for another 30 seconds, and then stir in the tomato paste. Cook for about 1 minute, using your spoon to loosen up the brown bits on the bottom of your pan.
  3. Add 4 cups of water and 4 cups of stock, along with the lentils, thyme, bay leaf, oregano, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp of black pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low.
  4. Simmer with the lid on for 25-30 minutes, until the lentils are soft but not mushy.
  5. Remove the bay leaf and separate 2 ½ cups of the soup. Puree the separated soup and then add it back to the pot.
  6. Stir in the lemon juice and parsley, and then serve warm.

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Wednesday 31st of January 2024

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