28 Cozy and Creative Ways to Cook With Lentils

Lentils are one of the most versatile and nourishing ingredients you can cook with, and this collection highlights just how many directions they can go. From stews and soups to salads, curries, and even pizza crust, these recipes show off lentils’ ability to adapt to bold spices, rich sauces, and fresh herbs. Whether you’re working with red, green, brown, or sprouted varieties, there’s a recipe here to suit every season and appetite.

Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad

This chilled salad blends creamy avocado, earthy lentils, and sweet dried cranberries. It’s tangy, fresh, and full of texture. A vinaigrette ties everything together. Great for meal prep or light lunches.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad

Carrot and Red Lentil Soup Recipe with Tomatoes

Red lentils and carrots simmer with tomatoes and spices for a smooth, hearty soup. It’s slightly sweet with a warm depth of flavor. Serve blended or chunky. Freezes well and makes great leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Carrot and Red Lentil Soup Recipe with Tomatoes

Charro Lentils

Inspired by the classic Mexican bean dish, this version uses lentils in a spiced broth with smoky seasonings and optional bacon. It’s rich and satisfying. Serve with rice or tortillas. A comforting twist on a staple.
Get the Recipe: Charro Lentils

Coconut Lentil Curry Soup in a Jar

This layered jar recipe makes a giftable or meal-prep version of coconut curry lentil soup. Just add water or broth and simmer. It’s creamy, fragrant, and full of warmth. Great for busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Lentil Curry Soup in a Jar

Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

Everything cooks in one pot with broth, vegetables, and spices until thick and rich. The lentils soften into the sauce and pick up all the flavor. Serve with bread or rice. Minimal cleanup required.
Get the Recipe: Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

Easy Vegan Lentil Meatloaf Recipe

This meatloaf uses lentils, oats, and seasonings for a hearty, sliceable loaf. It bakes with a tomato glaze on top. Firm enough to slice cleanly. A smart choice for holiday tables or dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Lentil Meatloaf Recipe

Easy Vegan Yellow Lentil Dal

Yellow lentils cook quickly into a soft, fragrant dal flavored with turmeric, garlic, and chili. It’s smooth and warming. Serve with rice, flatbread, or on its own. A weeknight staple.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Yellow Lentil Dal

Green Lentil Curry

Hearty green lentils simmer with coconut milk and spices for a thick curry with bite. The lentils hold their shape and add texture. Add greens or vegetables for variation. Serve hot with rice or naan.
Get the Recipe: Green Lentil Curry

Indian Spiced Lentil Dal

This classic dal uses a mix of spices and simmered lentils for a deeply flavored dish. It’s soft, rich, and full of warmth. Spoon over rice or enjoy as a soup. A comforting staple.
Get the Recipe: Indian Spiced Lentil Dal

Instant Pot Lentil Chickpea Curry

This pressure cooker curry is packed with protein-rich lentils and chickpeas in a spiced tomato base. It cooks fast but tastes slow-simmered. Serve over grains or with bread. Freezer-friendly and easy to scale.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Chickpea Curry

Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup

This soup combines lentils and vegetables in a broth that’s filling but not heavy. The Instant Pot makes it quick and hands-off. Serve warm with herbs or a swirl of lemon. A go-to for cold days.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup

Instant Pot Potato Curry with Red Lentils

Red lentils and potatoes soften together in a gently spiced curry base. The result is creamy, thick, and satisfying. Pressure cooking makes it fast and full-flavored. Serve on its own or with flatbread.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Potato Curry with Red Lentils

Italian Lentil Soup – Zuppa Di Lenticchie

This rustic soup uses lentils, tomatoes, and herbs in a savory broth. It’s simple but deeply flavored. Great with crusty bread or a drizzle of olive oil. A cozy, everyday recipe.
Get the Recipe: Italian Lentil Soup – Zuppa Di Lenticchie

Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup)

This version includes lentils simmered with onion, tomato, and cumin for a mild, brothy soup. Some include sausage or chorizo for depth. Serve with lime and tortillas. A family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup)

Lentil and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili with Spicy Chickpea Quinoa Crackers

This thick chili blends soft lentils and sweet squash with bold spices and heat. The crackers on top add crunch. Hearty, rich, and plant-based. Ideal for meal prep or cold weather.
Get the Recipe: Lentil and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili with Spicy Chickpea Quinoa Crackers

Lentil Bolognese

This sauce swaps ground meat for lentils, cooked into a rich tomato base with herbs. It’s thick, savory, and clings beautifully to pasta. Serve over spaghetti or use in lasagna. A comforting, meatless option.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Bolognese

Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens

Pasta made with lentils is tossed with sautéed greens and garlic oil. It’s quick, simple, and satisfying. Great for busy nights. Sprinkle with cheese or chili flakes if you like.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens

Lentil Soup

This basic version lets the lentils shine, with onion, carrots, and garlic in a savory broth. It’s classic and endlessly adaptable. Serve hot with bread. A timeless favorite.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Lentil Stuffed Eggplant

Eggplant halves are roasted and filled with a lentil and herb mixture, then baked again. The filling is soft and spiced, with a golden top. A beautiful vegetarian main. Serve with a drizzle of tahini or yogurt.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Stuffed Eggplant

Lentil Tabbouleh

Lentils replace bulgur in this herb-forward salad. Parsley, mint, lemon, and tomato bring freshness and brightness. Serve chilled or room temp. A fresh twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Tabbouleh

Misir Wot – Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew

Red lentils simmer in berbere-spiced sauce until thick and rich. The flavor is bold and a little smoky. Serve with injera or rice. A staple in Ethiopian cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Misir Wot – Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew

Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

Lamb and lentils cook together with warm spices, tomato, and sometimes dried fruit for a sweet-salty balance. It’s rich, aromatic, and slow-simmered. Serve hot with couscous or flatbread.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

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

Blended red lentils form the base of this simple, sturdy flatbread that works well as a pizza crust. It bakes firm and holds toppings without crumbling. A great gluten-free alternative. Top and bake as you like.
Get the Recipe: Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Spiced Carrot Lentil Soup

Carrots and lentils simmer in a lightly spiced broth until soft, then blended into a smooth, orange soup. It’s warm, slightly sweet, and full of flavor. Serve with yogurt or herbs. Freezer-friendly and quick.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Carrot Lentil Soup

Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal

This version of dal brings coconut milk and chili together with soft red lentils for a creamy, spicy finish. It’s rich and warming. Serve with rice, naan, or spooned over vegetables. Ready in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal

Sprouted Lentil Salad

Sprouted lentils are tossed with veggies and herbs in a bright, tangy dressing. They stay crisp and fresh. Great as a light lunch or side. Add nuts or cheese if you like.
Get the Recipe: Sprouted Lentil Salad

Turmeric Lentil Soup

This soup brings turmeric’s warm color and mild flavor to a pot of simmered lentils and broth. It’s calming, simple, and earthy. A great pick when you want something light. Serve with lemon and herbs.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Lentil Soup

Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Mushrooms and lentils come together in this deep, savory stew. It’s rich, thick, and full of umami. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice. A satisfying, meatless comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew