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Here are 12 simple, delicious green lentil recipes using canned or dried lentils, perfect for every occasion, making this versatile legume a must in our diet!

A plate full of green lentil bruschetta.

This terrific, hearty legume is one of my favorite storecupboard saviors. It’s inexpensive, packed with plant-based protein, and can be transformed into a multitude of fabulous meals.

Below, you’ll find our favorite green lentil recipes. They include comforting soups, tasty salads, and everything in between. Whether you already love them or are cooking them for the first time, I hope that a few of these recipes make it into your regular rotation, too.

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1

A white bowl full of pasta with lentils.

One-Pot Pasta with Lentils

This Italian pasta with lentils is a must! A terriric one-pot meal that uses dried lentils and pasta. Healthy, budget-friendly, and so good!

2

Lentil bruschetta on a white background.

Lentil Bruschetta

Simple, crispy, and full of flavor, this green lentil bruschetta makes a terrific, vegetarian appetizer and snack that everyone will love!

3

A white bowl full of green lentil soup served with bread.

Green Lentil Soup

This green lentil soup has amazing flavor and texture. It's vegan, healthy, and delicious.

4

Image for Classic Lentil Burgers

Classic Lentil Burgers

Photo Credit: www.makingthymeforhealth.com

Here is a classic lentil burger that packs a lot of protein and flavor and pairs well with any toppings.

5

Close-up of a white bowl full of smoky chickpea and lentil soup.

Lentil Chickpea Soup

Thissmoky chickpea and lentil soup is packed with flavor, health benefits, plant-based protein, and requires just 1 pot.

6

Image for Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Lentils

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Lentils

Photo Credit: www.healthygreenkitchen.com

Indulge in the ultimate comfort of Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with lentils and kale. This nutrient-rich dish is the perfect hearty meal.

7

Green lentil jam in a jar.

Green Lentils Jam Recipe

Photo Credit: www.eatwell101.com

What about a vegan green lentil jam that is so vertile and full of flavor?

8

French green lentil salad recipes.

French Green Lentil Salad

Photo Credit: fullofplants.com

This simple yet delicious French-inspired green lentil salad is fresh and flavored with a lovely, bright Dijon mustard vinaigrette!

9

Close-up of a white bowl full of carrot lentil soup.

Carrot and Lentil Soup

Photo Credit: theclevermeal.com

This nourishing carrot-lentil soup combines hearty lentils and sweet carrots. It's vegan, super healthy, and totally delicious with crusty bread or crostini!

10

Image for Warm Lentil Salad with Spinach & Quinoa

Warm Lentil Salad with Spinach & Quinoa

Photo Credit: www.simplyquinoa.com

This warm lentil salad tossed with spinach, quinoa, roasted fennel, and pine nuts is healthy, vegetarian, and utterly delicious.

11

Top view of a white bowl full of vegan lentil soup with spinach.

Vegan Lentil Soup

Photo Credit: theclevermeal.com

This delicious vegan lentil soup features a rich cherry tomato broth and aromatic herbs. It's another family's favorite that we love all year round.

12

Image for 1-Pot Lentil Green Curry

1-Pot Lentil Green Curry

Photo Credit: minimalistbaker.com

Easy, quick, healthy, and flavorful, this lentil curry pairs wonderfully with rice for a filling plant-based meal.

Convenient & budget-friendly

A can of green lentils can go a long way! I used to stockpile the basics like beans and lentils; they’re brilliant for making a satisfying, nutritionally balanced meal on busy weeknights. However, dried lentils also make a brilliant cupboard staple: they cook faster than their bean counterparts, can be cooked without soaking, and are easier to digest. Are

Green lentils are healthy!

Lentils are a terrific source of plant-based protein and fiber. They’re naturally gluten-free, low in fat and calories, and rich in iron and folate.

When combined with a whole grain, such as brown rice or whole-grain pasta, they can provide protein of the same quality as meat. But eating green lentils instead of red or processed meat is definitely the healthiest choice, and saves you money.

MORE PANTRY-FRIENDLY RECIPES?

If you love these nourishing and inexpensive recipes, check out these brilliant meal ideas featuring pantry essentials:

  • Pasta e fagioli (Italian pasta & beans)
  • Pasta e ceci (Italian pasta & chickpeas)
  • Italian pasta & peas
  • Spicy red lentil soup
  • Mediterranean chickpea soup

I hope that a few of these delicious green lentil recipes will be part of your weekly dinner rotation. Let me know if you have any questions. I would love to hear from you x

12 Green Lentil Recipes

Here are 12 simple, delicious green lentil recipes, using canned or dried lentils, like this favorite green lentil soup ,which is a hit with the entire family. It's vegan, healthy, loaded with plant-based protein, and absolutely delicious.

Prep Time5
Cook Time30
Total Time35
CourseSoup
CuisineMediterranean, vegan
KeywordGreen Lentil Soup
Servings6
Calories283 kcal
AuthorKatia

Ingredients

  • 1½ Tablespoon olive oil or extra virgin olive oil, plus more to serve
  • 1 medium-sized onion, diced
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 1 large celery rib, diced
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • 2 cups (400 grams) green lentils or brown lentils
  • 6 cups (1440 ml) vegetable broth, or chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste, or 1/3 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ¾ – 1 teaspoon fine salt, or according to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to serve
  • 1 small potato, cut into chunks (it's optional, add it if you prefer a thicker texture)
  • fresh lemon juice, to serve

Instructions

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
  • Then add garlic, spices, and cook for one minute, stirring continuously.
  • Add the remaining ingredients, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until lentils are soft.
  • Turn the heat off, let it cool slightly, and remove the bay leaves. Then transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend, return the soup into the pot and give a good stir. Alternatively, you can use a hand blender to whizz only part of the soup.
  • Now taste and make sure you're happy with the seasoning and consistency; you might want to add more salt and pepper to suit your taste (this depends on the broth used). And add a little bit of water if you prefer a thinner soup.
  • Serve it warm, with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, and a little squeeze of lemon juice for freshness. Don't forget crusty bread, enjoy!
Nutrition facts (per serving, estimated): The nutritional values are for one serving only (approximately 1 cup). They are based on an online nutrition calculator. It’s an estimate and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. Please see my [LINK:disclosure policies]. Calories: 283 kcal | Carbohydrates: 44 g | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 4 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g | Sodium: 403 mg | Potassium: 720 mg | Fiber: 21 g | Sugar: 3 g | Vitamin A: 2262 IU | Vitamin C: 5 mg | Calcium: 52 mg | Iron: 5 mg

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