19 recipes built entirely around lentils

This is lentil magic in action. 19 recipes built entirely around lentils bring protein-packed meals to life. Must-see flavors that make every bite count!

Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal

A bowl of orange lentil curry with chunks of vegetables, garnished with cilantro, served alongside white rice. A spoon is partially submerged in the curry. — Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Quick and bold flavors hit right from the start. Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal keeps lentils as the main focus. Every bite shows how versatile lentils can be.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal

Lentil Soup

Soup that actually fills you up starts here. Lentil Soup keeps lentils as the main ingredient for a protein-packed meal. It’s a solid choice for lentil-based dishes.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup)

Bowl of lentil soup with vegetables, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges. A spoon rests in the bowl. — Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Spice and comfort meet in one bowl. Lentejas Mexican Lentil Soup makes lentils the hero of the dish. It’s a simple example of meals built entirely around lentils.
Get the Recipe: Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup)

Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens

Red lentil pasta with garlic lemon greens in a bowl. — Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pasta can be more than carbs. Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens puts lentils in the spotlight for protein and texture. It shows how lentils can carry the meal.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens

Instant Pot Lentil Chickpea Curry

Flavor comes fast with this one. Instant Pot Lentil Chickpea Curry makes lentils the center of the dish. It’s perfect for meals built entirely around lentils.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Chickpea Curry

Italian Lentil Soup - Zuppa Di Lenticchie

A bowl of vegetable soup with lentils, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and zucchini, topped with croutons and basil, placed on a marble surface. — Italian Lentil Soup - Zuppa Di Lenticchie. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Soups don’t have to be basic. Italian Lentil Soup - Zuppa Di Lenticchie keeps lentils front and center for a filling option. It’s a perfect example of meals built entirely around lentils.
Get the Recipe: Italian Lentil Soup - Zuppa Di Lenticchie

Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

A plate with four pieces of flatbread topped with green pesto, fresh spinach leaves, and grated carrots. — Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust (Gluten-Free, Vegan). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Pizza just got a twist with lentils in the mix. Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust makes lentils the main ingredient from crust to slice. It’s a fun way to build meals around lentils.
Get the Recipe: Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Two bowls of hearty baked beans with mushrooms and herbs on a striped cloth, accompanied by empty white bowls. — Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Quick meals can still feel substantial. Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew makes lentils the focus in a hearty dish. It’s perfect for anyone building meals entirely around lentils.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Green Lentil Curry

Bold meals don’t need meat. Green Lentil Curry keeps lentils as the main ingredient. It’s a simple and hearty way to focus on lentils.
Get the Recipe: Green Lentil Curry

Lentil Bolognese

Pasta nights just got protein. Lentil Bolognese puts lentils in the spotlight as a hearty sauce. It’s a great example of building meals entirely around lentils.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Bolognese

Lentil and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili with Spicy Chickpea Quinoa Crackers

Bowl of lentil curry with yogurt, topped with cilantro, and served with crunchy flatbread. — Lentil and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili with Spicy Chickpea Quinoa Crackers. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Bold flavors meet filling ingredients in this dish. Lentil and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili with Spicy Chickpea Quinoa Crackers shows lentils leading the meal. It proves lentils can be the star in any dish.
Get the Recipe: Lentil and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili with Spicy Chickpea Quinoa Crackers

Sprouted Lentil Salad

A wooden bowl filled with salad, featuring mixed greens, sprouts, and a creamy dressing, with a wooden spoon on the side. — Sprouted Lentil Salad. Photo credit: The Wonderful World of Sprouts.

Salads can pack a punch with protein. Sprouted Lentil Salad makes lentils the main ingredient for a filling option. It proves lentils work in light meals too.
Get the Recipe: Sprouted Lentil Salad

Misir Wot - Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew

Flavorful and bold starts with lentils. Misir Wot Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew puts lentils in the center for a protein-focused meal. It’s perfect for meals built entirely around lentils.
Get the Recipe: Misir Wot - Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew

Instant Pot Potato Curry with Red Lentils

Comfort meets convenience with this one-pot recipe. Instant Pot Potato Curry with Red Lentils puts lentils front and center. It’s a simple way to turn lentils into the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Potato Curry with Red Lentils

Turmeric Lentil Soup

A pot of veggie lentil soup, filled with vegetables and lentils. — Turmeric Lentil Soup. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Colorful meals can still be easy. Turmeric Lentil Soup makes lentils the star ingredient. It’s a simple way to center meals entirely around lentils.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Lentil Soup

Spiced Carrot Lentil Soup

Quick, simple meals can hit hard on flavor. Spiced Carrot Lentil Soup keeps lentils as the main focus. It’s a solid choice for lentil-based meals.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Carrot Lentil Soup

Charro Lentils

Protein-packed meals don’t have to be complicated. Charro Lentils brings beans and lentils together for a filling dish. It’s a smart choice for meals built entirely around lentils.
Get the Recipe: Charro Lentils

Indian Spiced Lentil Dal

Overhead shot of 2 bowls of dal soup garnished with coconut milk and sliced green chiles. — Indian Spiced Lentil Dal. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Lentils take the spotlight in a hearty meal. Indian Spiced Lentil Dal turns simple ingredients into something exciting. It’s perfect for anyone looking to build meals entirely around lentils.
Get the Recipe: Indian Spiced Lentil Dal

Authentic Mulligatawny Soup

An overhead image of mulligatawny soup being scooped out in a large pot. — Authentic Mulligatawny Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Flavor that sticks starts with lentils. Authentic Mulligatawny Soup puts lentils in the spotlight for a hearty meal. It’s perfect for anyone building meals entirely around lentils.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Mulligatawny Soup