Whether you’re looking for the best lentil soup EVER or are craving lentil salad or any other lentil recipe, I have so many options for you to choose from! There are simple lentil recipes for beginners here, like my easy lentil quinoa salad, along with lentil curry, Instant Pot lentils and rice, and more! And, of course, there are gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free options to accommodate all kinds of special diets.

There’s a reason that lentils are such a popular ingredient. They’re super nutritious, affordable, and cook much more quickly than larger beans. A cup of cooked lentils contains around 18 grams of protein and 16 grams of fiber along with 37% of your daily iron and various other vitamins and minerals.

Types of Lentils

💡 Know Your Lentils

  1. green or brown lentils – These lentils have a mild, earthy flavor and maintain their shape when you cook them. You can use them interchangeably in many recipes. If you are thinking about generic lentils, this is likely what you picture. Green lentils also make a good substitute for French lentils in most recipes.
  2. red and yellow lentils – These lentils cook down to be very soft and are common in thick curries and stews. Their flavor is also very mild.
  3. beluga lentils – These are large, black lentils that maintain their shape when cooked. They’re great for recipes where you want some extra texture. They taste mild and absorb the flavor of the sauce or broth you cook them in.
  4. French lentils – These dark green lentils are also called Puy lentils after the region in France where they grow. French lentils have a bit of a peppery flavor, so be ready for that flavor to come through in recipes where you use them.

Popular Lentil Recipes

All Vegan Lentil Recipes