7 Delicious Recipes with Lentils You’ll Love Making Over and Over Again!

Lentils are the ultimate comfort food, packed with protein, fiber, and endless versatility. You can use them to cook up a hearty stew or to prepare a light salad. Try these recipes with lentils this winter!

Join the My Cretan Recipe Facebook group.

Why Lentils Are a Kitchen Superstar

Lentils have been a staple food for centuries, loved for their earthy flavor and remarkable nutritional benefits. Rich in plant-based protein, iron, and fiber, they’re a favorite among vegetarians and anyone seeking wholesome, satisfying meals, so why not start trying these recipes with lentils today?

1. Classic Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin

Preparation:

• Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
• Add lentils, cumin, and broth. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender.
• Serve hot with crusty bread.

2. Lentil and Spinach Curry

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 3 cups fresh spinach

Preparation:

• Sauté onion and garlic in oil.
• Add curry powder and stir.
• Mix in lentils and coconut milk.
• Simmer for 20 minutes.
• Stir in spinach until wilted.
• Serve with rice or naan.

>>> Want to give this curry a Greek twist? Add crumbled feta on top, you’ll be surprised at how good it tastes!

3. Lentil and Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked green lentils
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tbsp olive oil

Preparation:

• Combine lentils, quinoa, cucumber, and bell pepper in a bowl.
• Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Pour over the salad.
• Toss well and serve chilled.

4. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked green lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas
• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth

Preparation:

• Sauté onion and carrots. Add lentils, peas, and broth.
• Simmer until thickened.
• Transfer to a baking dish and spread mashed potatoes on top.
• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes until golden.

5. Spiced Lentil Patties

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked red lentils
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika

Preparation:

• Mix lentils, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, and paprika in a bowl.
• Form into patties.
• Pan-fry in oil until golden on both sides.
• Serve with a yogurt sauce or in a burger bun.

6. Lentil and Vegetable Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green lentils
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 potato, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth

Preparation:

• Sauté the carrots and potato in olive oil.
• Add lentils, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer for 40 minutes.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

7. Lentil Bolognese

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 lb cooked pasta

Preparation:

• Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
• Add lentils, tomatoes, and oregano.
• Simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.
• Serve over pasta and top with grated cheese or fresh basil.

MORE IDEAS

Béchamel with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Authentic Greek Skordalia

Greek Soutzoukakia

Greek Fasolada Recipe

Beetroot Dip with Walnuts & Feta Cheese

Greek Cucumber Recipes

Healthy Greek Snacks

Greek Salad (Horiatiki Salata)