Hearty Vegetarian Lentil Recipes with Red and Green Lentils

Anyone landing here, looking for vegetarian lentil recipes that are yummy, easy to make, and packed with flavor, is at the right place. 

Lentils are one of the most versatile and affordable ingredients in the kitchen. 

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best ways to use red and green lentils, show you how to cook them, and share a variety of comforting recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

Why Lentils Deserve a Spot in Your Kitchen

Lentils are small but mighty. These legumes are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and folate. According to the USDA, a single cup of cooked lentils offers about 18 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber.

Another more important and even better aspect is that they are shelf-stable, budget-friendly, and they cook faster than most beans, and their soaking is not required.

Although everyone must have had the lentils at least once in their lifetime, but some may be thinking about: What do lentils taste like?

The answer is; it depends on the type of lentils. The red lentils have a mild and slightly sweet taste and also turn creamy when it gets cooked. Green lentils are earthier, and they will provide you a firmer bite. That means there’s a lentil for every texture and flavor preference.

Types of Lentils for Vegetarian Cooking

Understanding lentil types is key when exploring vegetarian lentil recipes.

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1. Red Lentils

Red lentils cook quickly and break down into a creamy consistency. They’re ideal for soups, dals, curries, and purées.

• Best for: Curries, stews, spreads
• Texture: Soft, creamy
• Taste: Mild and sweet
• Red lentils nutrition: High in protein and low in fat; great for heart health (Willett et al., 2019)

Looking for a comforting vegetarian red lentil recipe? Try red lentil curry or dal palak. Both are easy and deeply flavorful.

2. Green Lentils

These are the most common in U.S. grocery stores. Green lentils hold their shape better than red ones, making them great for dishes where texture matters.

• Best for: Salads, soups, lentil loaves
• Texture: Firm
• Taste: Earthy, nutty
• Bonus: They’re among the cheapest protein sources in the store.

If you’re curious about how to cook green lentils, we have covered it step-by-step below.

How to Cook Lentils (Red & Green)

Learning how to cook lentils is easier than you think. No need to soak them beforehand, though you can rinse them to remove any dust or debris.

Basic Cooking Method

For every 1 cup of lentils, use:

• 3 cups water or broth
• A pinch of salt (optional, add later if you want firmer lentils)

Instructions:

1. Rinse lentils in a fine mesh sieve.
2. Bring water or broth to a boil.
3. Add lentils, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered.

How Long Does It Take Lentils to Cook?

• Red lentils: 12–15 minutes (turns soft and creamy)
• Green lentils: 20–25 minutes (tender but holds shape)

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Tip: Want a hands-off method? Use the Instant Pot. It takes about 3–6 minutes at high pressure depending on the lentil type. Easy, quick, and perfect for batch cooking.

Red Lentils Recipes for the Win

Red lentils are your go-to for quick dinners. If you’re searching for vegetarian red lentil recipes, here are a few winners:

1. Vegan Red Lentil Curry

Rich, creamy, and satisfying. This is one of the best lentil recipes for beginners. Cook red lentils with coconut milk, tomatoes, garlic, and curry spices. Serve over rice or naan.

2. Dal Palak (Spinach Lentil Curry)

A spiced Indian lentil dish cooked with garlic, cumin, and fresh spinach. The red lentils melt into the dish, giving it a luxurious texture.

3. Instant Pot Red Lentil Sweet Potato Soup

Combine red lentils, sweet potatoes, and warming spices. Cook them under pressure for an ultra-cozy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Pro Tip: Add red lentils to any soup to thicken it naturally.

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Must-Try Green Lentil Recipes

Green lentils are ideal for dishes that need more bite. They’re especially useful in protein-packed mains and meal-prep lunches.

1. Vegetarian Lentil Loaf Recipe

This vegetarian lentil loaf recipe uses green lentils for texture, oats for binding, and veggies for flavor. It’s a perfect holiday or Sunday dinner dish. Serve with mashed potatoes and vegan gravy.

1. Lentil Tacos with Avocado Crema

Green lentils replace ground meat in these tasty tacos. Combine with walnuts and mushrooms for a savory taco filling.

1. Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Layer green lentils cooked with caramelized onions under a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s comfort food at its best.

1. Lentil and Vegetable Bake

This creamy bake features green lentils, sweet vegetables, and a dairy-free cashew sauce. It’s one of those vegetarian lentil recipes that impresses at potlucks and holiday meals alike.

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Additional Vegetarian Lentil Recipes

1. Red Lentil Shakshuka

A Middle Eastern twist with a plant-based flair. Red lentils simmered in a spicy tomato sauce, topped with vegan yogurt or tofu scramble.

1. Lentil-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuff sweet bell peppers with a mix of green lentils, rice, onions, and herbs. Bake until tender for a protein-packed meal.

1. Red Lentil and Carrot Soup

Naturally creamy and sweet. This soup is flavored with ginger, garlic, and warming spices. Great for digestion and loaded with red lentils nutrition.

1. Coconut Red Lentil Dahl

A comfort dish from South Asia made with red lentils, coconut milk, garlic, and turmeric. Serve with basmati rice or naan.

1. Mediterranean Lentil Pasta

Toss cooked green lentils with whole wheat or lentil pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, arugula, and a lemon vinaigrette.

1. Red Lentil and Tomato Bruschetta

A creative appetizer, mashed red lentils cooked with garlic and herbs, spread on toasted bread with fresh tomatoes and basil.

1. Lentil and Mushroom Pie

Use green lentils and cremini mushrooms as a savory filling for a pot pie or puff pastry tart. Comfort food redefined.

1. Lentil Falafel

Instead of chickpeas, use green or brown lentils to create crispy baked or fried falafel balls, and serve with tahini or hummus.

1. Spicy Lentil Wraps

Red lentils spiced with harissa or sriracha, layered with lettuce, cucumber, and pickled onions in flatbread.

1. Lentil & Zucchini Fritters

A summer-friendly snack. Use grated zucchini and cooked lentils, pan-fried into crispy patties. Perfect with tzatziki.

1. Lentil & Beet Veggie Burgers

A vibrant vegetarian burger using green lentils and beets. Serve with vegan mayo, lettuce, and a whole-grain bun.

1. Red Lentil and Pumpkin Curry

Seasonal and hearty. Cook red lentils with pumpkin, ginger, and coconut milk for a fall favorite.

1. Thai Red Lentil Soup

Infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and red curry paste, this soup gives a Southeast Asian twist to vegetarian red lentil recipes.

1. Lentil-Stuffed Eggplant

Roast halved eggplants, scoop them slightly, and stuff them with a lentil-tomato mixture seasoned with cumin and paprika.

1. Creamy Red Lentil Pasta Sauce

Blend cooked red lentils into a tomato-based sauce with Italian herbs. A nutritious replacement for cream-based sauces.

1. Lentil & Spinach Lasagna

Layer green lentils and spinach with marinara and vegan ricotta in classic lasagna form. Satisfying and freezer-friendly.

1. Middle Eastern Mujaddara

A classic made with green lentils and rice, topped with caramelized onions. Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.

1. Lentil Veggie Stir-Fry

Toss cooked green lentils into a wok with colorful vegetables, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic.

1. Vegan Lentil Stuffing

Swap bread for lentils in this savory, herby stuffing perfect for holidays. Works well with mushrooms and cranberries.

1. Lentil and Avocado Grain Bowl

Build a balanced bowl with quinoa, green lentils, sliced avocado, roasted sweet potatoes, and tahini dressing.

How to Prepare Lentils for Different Dishes

Understanding how to prepare lentils properly makes a big difference in flavor and texture.

• For soups and curries: Use red lentils; they break down and thicken dishes.
• For salads and loaves: Use green or brown lentils; they stay firm.
• For spreads and dips: Cook until very soft, then blend with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.

Don’t forget to season! Lentils soak up flavor beautifully. Try cooking them in vegetable broth or adding bay leaves, garlic, or onion to the pot.

Nutritional Power of Lentils

Lentils aren’t just versatile, they’re nutritional powerhouses.

• Protein: 18g per cooked cup
• Fiber: 15g
• Iron: 3.3mg
• Folate: 90% of daily value

Red lentils nutrition is particularly impressive. They’re rich in polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. And they’re great for heart health. Lentils can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol as well.

Quick Vegetarian Lentil Recipes (Meal Ideas)

Need some fast and flavorful lentil dishes? Here are a few simple go-tos:

• Lentil Bolognese: Use red or green lentils with tomato sauce, garlic, and herbs. Serve over spaghetti.
• Lentil Tostadas: Mash cooked lentils with taco seasoning and spread on crispy tortillas.
• Lentil & Grain Bowls: Top a bowl of grains with lentils, roasted veggies, and tahini dressing.
• Warm Lentil Salad: Toss lentils with roasted squash, arugula, and lemon vinaigrette.

Lentils for Every Occasion

Whether you want a weeknight dinner, a lunchbox filler, or a holiday centerpiece, there’s a vegetarian lentil recipe for it.

• Entertaining? Try creamy lentil bakes or shepherd’s pie.
• Meal prep? Red lentil soup and grain bowls store well and reheat beautifully.
• Snacking? Make lentil dips or spicy lentil balls.

You can even use lentils in desserts. Try adding cooked red lentils to muffins or brownies for extra protein!

What are some quick lentil meals for busy weeknights?

Try red lentil curry, lentil tacos, or a warm lentil salad with lemon vinaigrette. Red lentils cook in 15–20 minutes, making them ideal for fast meals. You can also keep cooked lentils in the fridge to toss into soups, grain bowls, or wraps for an effortless vegetarian dinner.

Ultimately…

We can say that lentils check every box: affordable, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable. With just a few basic techniques, you’ll master how to cook lentils, including exactly how to cook green lentils and how to cook red lentils.

Once you know how to prepare lentils, the meal ideas are limitless.

So go ahead, try a spicy dal, a veggie-packed loaf, or a quick red lentil curry. These vegetarian lentil recipes will become regulars in your rotation, guaranteed.