Since many of us have stocked up on lentils in the last few months, I figured it was time to round up some delicious yet healthy vegan lentil recipes! If you’re boiling lentils in plain old water, here are 10 inspired ideas for making lentils taste amazing!
While these recipes are all vegan, gluten-free, and all made with wholesome ingredients, they certainly don’t taste “healthy” and don’t sacrifice on flavor!
And if you want to learn my three favorite ways to cook lentils with tons of flavor, be sure to check out this video on Youtube!
There’s also a corresponding PDF guide all about lentils that goes along with the video – it includes info on the various types of lentils and when to use them, the full printable recipes from the vide, and more! Click here to sign up for the PDF!
10 Healthy Vegan Lentil Recipes
1. Restaurant-Style Vegan Dal Tadka
Restaurant-Style Vegan Dal Tadka
What people are saying about this recipe:
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Blog reader Maneesha says, “Such a great recipe, Nisha! I loved it! I am a Daal lover, and it was great trying your recipe, different from my family’s Daal recipe! Loved it!”
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Blog reader Gillian says, “I made this tonight in my Instant Pot. It was delicious! I used red lentils because that’s what I had on hand. Love these healthy vegan lentil recipes!”
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Youtube viewer Seth Bedwell says, “I made the Dal Tadka today and it was some of the best Indian food I’ve ever had!”
2. Creamy Mushroom and Black Beluga Lentil Stew
Creamy Mushroom and Black Beluga Lentil Stew
What people are saying about this recipe:
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Blog reader B Millar says, “This recipe is outstanding. I made it with what I have on hand, last year’s harvested chanterelles (frozen) and fresh button mushrooms, last year’s frozen kale. My husband and truly enjoyed this meal. Will be making again and again.”
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Blog reader Claudia says, “I made this last night and, as my boyfriend said, it was the best lentils we ever had in our lives. Perfect combination :)!!”
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Blog reader Bettina says, “We had this for dinner tonight. I doubled the recipe, thinking I’d have leftovers for tomorrow. No leftovers. My husband the mushroom hater ate 2 huge bowls.”
3. 10-Ingredient Vegan Red Lentil Bolognese
10-Ingredient Vegan Red Lentil Bolognese
What people are saying about this recipe:
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Blog reader Emily says, “Wow, this is recipe is definitely going to be a staple in my arsenal! It’s packed with flavor, and easier to make than you’d expect. PSA, do not overlook the walnuts, they add a meaty texture and a fun surprise to each bite.”
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Blog reader Néha says, “Made this for my family today, it was delicious! My dad said it was better than the meat bolognese, and it was the perfect quarantine meal with pantry ingredients. Can’t wait to make this one again.”
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Blog reader Keisha says, “Thank you soooo much for this recipe! It turned out awesome for my friends. They were literally licking the bowl!! I didn’t have walnuts on hand but a handful of mixed nuts, and it still worked well. My favorite meal this month.”
4. Instant Pot Butternut Squash Lentil Curry
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Lentil Curry
What people are saying about this recipe:
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Blog reader Lindsay says, “We made this for dinner and it was sooooo rich and creamy! So flavorful and the right amount of heat…My husband and I both devoured our bowls. Great flavor/ingredient combination!!”
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Blog reader Kimberly says, “This was freaking delicious! I texted it to several friends and I am adding it to my rotation. Thanks for all your healthy vegan lentil recipes!”
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Blog reader Sam W. says, “I just made this tonight for dinner and it was DELICIOUS! I was so excited when I noticed I had all the ingredients at home so I had to make it immediately. Best decision!”
5. Vegan Red Lentil Curry
Vegan Red Lentil Curry
What people are saying about this recipe:
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Blog reader Emma A. says, “Made this for dinner last night and it was amazing! So creamy and full of flavor. Couldn’t stop eating from it haha. Thank you for sharing, will definitely make it more often!”
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Blog reader Emily says, “Seriously, my kids say, “Mom, can we have that curry for dinner?” It’s on regular rotation at our house.”
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Blog reader Ruthlilycat says, “ This is reaaaaallly delicious! I have Red Lentils & I’ve never found a great recipe for them…Even my husband LOVED it. The taste was so good, I stuffed myself because the taste was out of this world delicious, and again, first recipe I’ve ever LOVED for red lentils!!”
6. Mediterranean Lentil and Grain Bowls
Mediterranean Lentil and Grain Bowls
What people are saying about this recipe:
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Blog reader Nancy Stein says, “OMG this meal is so good! My husband and I had t control ourselves from licking our plates clean! This was amazing and the pickled onions were awesome side for this dish! Thank You Nisha you are an amazing chef. You certainly no how to season a dish!”
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Blog reader Diane says, “This is really delicious. The lentils… are seasoned so well. All these flavors together are perfect and so satisfying.”
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Blog reader Hailey Miller says, “Made this for the family tonight, everyone loved it!”
7. Instant Pot Lentil Cabbage Soup
Vegan Instant Pot Lentil and Cabbage Soup
What people are saying about this recipe:
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Blog reader Kay says, “ Just made this, it was lovely. I added frozen peas to the recipe, a cheap, hot and very tasty meal, full of goodness! Thank you x”
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Blog reader Dani B says, “ This vegan soup is ‘out of this world’! So delicious and hardy [hearty] and RICH.”
8. Healthy Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Healthy Vegan Lentil Shepherd's Pie
What people are saying about this recipe:
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Blog reader Leanna says, “We’ve had unseasonably cold weather so I made this last night and it was so comforting. Rich and flavorful and hearty. I couldn’t believe it was also healthy and vegan. Thank you!”
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Blog reader Sara K. says, “This is amazing!! I made it tonight and added some celery and carrots–wonderful flavor! My kiddo thought the garlic was a little strong, and we’ll dial that back the next time. Definitely a keeper, and a perfect meal for a chilly winter night!”
- Blog reader Shannon says, “This was INCREDIBLE! Seriously one of the best things I’ve ever had. I’ve been vegan for 18 years and I’ve never had a traditional shepherd’s pie but I can’t believe that a traditional one would be better than this!”
9. Simple Brown or Green Lentils in the Instant Pot
Simple Brown or Green Lentils
*Note: this recipe can be found in the third recipe card in this blog post.
What people are saying about this recipe:
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Blog reader Jones says, “These lentils are so easy to make, I’m never making them the old way!”
- Blog reader Ilana says, “I added shitake mushrooms and collard greens to the Simple Brown recipe for a complete one pot meal :-) SO good.”
10. Creamy Lentil Stuffed Butternut Squash
What people are saying about this recipe:
- Blog reader Mirae says, “Made this as a part of a Christmas lunch. It was an absolute fav from my omnivore and herbivore friends! I will definitely be remaking this recipe if I’m intending to impress some people’s socks off at a potluck or have a tasty, cozy indoor party to myself.“
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Blog reader Sebastian says, “Loved loved loved this. Perfect for thanksgiving or any cold evening. The lentils by themselves is now my go-to way to cook lentils. So creamy and decadent yet not heavy. Highly recommend!”
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Blog reader Alison says, “So flavorful! Made as a vegan option for Thanksgiving!”
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