Lentils

Lens culinaris Legume / Pulse

Lentils Legume / Pulse

At a Glance

  • Category Legume / Pulse

The Forktionary Angle

"The humble powerhouse legume, offering a robust texture and nutritional punch, ideal for satisfying plant-based meals."

Definition

Small, edible legumes known for their disc shape, high protein content, and earthy flavor, used widely in vegetarian cooking.

Cooking Time (average) 20-30 minutes (no pre-soaking)
Fiber per Cup (cooked) Approx. 16 grams
Protein per Cup (cooked) Approx. 18 grams

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Lentils are:

Earthy Nutty Mildly Peppery

Chef’s Secret

For firmer lentils in salads, undercook them slightly and then drain immediately to stop the cooking process, preventing mushiness.

Best Substitutes

Split Peas

longer cooking
Ratio 1:1

Black Beans

different texture
Ratio 1:1

Chickpeas

firmer
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose whole, unbroken lentils. Different colors (brown, green, red, black) have slightly different textures and cooking times.

Recipes Using Lentils

Time To Make Chili Chick Peas Garbanzos One Dish Meal

Abby's White Chili Low Fat

This creamy, flavorful white chicken chili recipe is a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for a chilly evening! Adapted from the LooneySpoon series, this version is packed with spices (easily customizable to your preference!), tender chicken, and vibrant beans. Enjoy a delicious and healthy low-fat meal, easily adaptable to your dietary needs. Serving suggestions included for a complete culinary experience!

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Preparation Beans Soups Stews Dietary

Ann's Lentil Soup

Warm up with this hearty and flavorful lentil soup! Packed with protein-rich lentils, vibrant spinach, and a zesty pesto kick, this recipe is both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. Customize it to your liking – it's incredibly flexible, allowing for ingredient substitutions and adjustments to suit your taste. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch.

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Cuisine European Preparation Presentation

Basic French Lentils

Experience the rustic charm of France with this simple yet elegant lentil recipe! Made with authentic French Le Puy lentils, this dish is adapted from Dorie Greenspan's beloved cookbook, "Around My French Table." Enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a sophisticated gathering. Get the recipe now!

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Main Ingredient One Dish Meal Equipment Beans

Baked Lentil Casserole

This hearty Baked Lentil Casserole is bursting with fresh herbs and savory flavors! A perfect meatless main course or a satisfying side dish, it's quick to prepare and incredibly delicious. Serve with a simple salad for a complete and healthy vegetarian meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this flavorful and surprisingly easy recipe!

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Course Easy Time To Make Main Dish

Baked Rice And Lentils

Elevate your next dinner party with this stunning Baked Rice and Lentils dish! A hearty and flavorful alternative to potatoes, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it warm as a comforting main course or chilled as a refreshing side. Easily adaptable for vegetarians, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping – leftovers freeze beautifully for future enjoyment. Impress your guests with this unique and delicious side or main dish!

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Equipment Course Preparation Main Dish

Better Than Meatloaf

This unbelievably delicious recipe delivers all the comfort and flavor of classic meatloaf, but with a fun twist! Easily customizable to your taste, swap herbs to match your family favorites. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Low In Something Weeknight Ground Beef Main Dish

Beef Lentil Skillet

This hearty Beef Lentil Skillet is a family favorite, so delicious it goes viral at every potluck! Adapted from a treasured Mennonite cookbook recipe, this nutritious and flexible one-pan wonder is packed with flavor. Easy to customize and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing gathering. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Stove Top Presentation Equipment Long Grain Rice

African Vegetable Stew

Experience the warm embrace of Africa with this vibrant vegetable stew! Cinnamon takes center stage, its fragrant warmth weaving through a medley of vegetables and spices for a truly unique and satisfying flavor profile. This hearty and healthy stew is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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Taste Mood Mexican Low In Something Preparation

Lenten Lentils Oaxacan Style

Transport your taste buds to Oaxaca, Mexico with this vibrant Lenten Lentils recipe! A traditional Oaxacan favorite, these luscious lentils boast a unique tropical flair thanks to the addition of pineapple, plantain, cloves, and allspice. The generous dose of garlic adds a delicious zip, perfectly complemented by crispy fried plantain slices as a garnish. This hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish is perfect for Lent or any time you crave a taste of sunshine.

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Beans Lentils Stove Top Course

1 Hour Smoky Ham And Lentil Soup

This award-winning smoky ham and lentil soup recipe is a hearty, flavorful, and slightly spicy masterpiece! Inspired by a catering chef's cafe secret, this recipe is perfect for chilly fall and winter evenings. Serve with warm, crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience. Quick on the stovetop (60 minutes) or slow and easy in your crockpot (10 hours).

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Low Cholesterol Low Protein Low In Something Time To Make

Aunt Bee's Lentil Soup

Step back in time with this classic lentil soup recipe, straight from the beloved Andy Griffith Show! Aunt Bee's secret family recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful soup that's perfect for a chilly evening. This comforting dish boasts tender lentils, savory vegetables, and a touch of home-style goodness. Easy to make and even easier to love, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a taste of Mayberry!

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Lunch 4 Hours Or Less Grains Number Of Servings

Baked Lentil Munchies

Crispy, crunchy, and unbelievably addictive! These Baked Lentil Munchies are a healthy and flavourful snack or appetizer. A playful twist on a classic recipe, these oven-baked lentils are seasoned to perfection, delivering a satisfying crunch in every bite. Perfect for parties, game day, or a quick and healthy weeknight snack.

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Weeknight Healthy 2 Low Fat Low Saturated Fat

Bbq Veggie Joes

A hearty and flavorful meatless twist on a classic! These BBQ Veggie Joes are packed with tender lentils, sweet veggies, and a tangy BBQ sauce, all nestled in a warm pita pocket. Perfect for a satisfying vegetarian lunch or dinner.

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Low Sodium Savory Easy Preparation

Bea's Baked Lentils

A hearty and delicious meatless lentil bake, perfect as a satisfying entree or a flavorful side dish. This recipe, originally shared in the Juniata Sentinel (Nov 13, 1996) and passed down by a loving mother-in-law, is a family treasure! Enjoy this comforting classic, bursting with savory flavors.

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Healthy Asian 4 Hours Or Less Low Cholesterol

Adas Polo Persian Rice With Lentils

Experience the rich flavors of Persia with this incredible Adas Polo recipe! This hearty and aromatic dish combines fluffy basmati rice, savory lentils, sweet caramelized onions, and plump raisins, all infused with warming spices. Perfect served alongside succulent chicken or lamb, or enjoyed as a satisfying vegetarian option. This easy-to-follow recipe will transport your taste buds to the heart of Iran!

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European Lunch 30 Minutes Or Less Course

Mediterranean Pot Stickers

Escape to the Mediterranean with these vibrant pot stickers! Inspired by the culinary masters, this recipe bursts with fresh herbs, savory flavors, and a delightful twist on a classic. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a delightful appetizer.

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Time To Make Occasion Main Dish Stove Top

Barley And Lentil Soup

Warm up with this comforting and flavorful barley and lentil soup! Packed with protein and vegetables, this hearty recipe is perfect for a chilly evening. A family favorite for a reason, this easy-to-make soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Get the recipe now!

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Inexpensive Cuisine Lunch Vegetables

Basque Chorizo And Lentil Soup

A hearty and flavorful Basque-style soup, perfect for a chilly evening! This recipe combines the richness of chorizo with the heartiness of lentils and a medley of colorful vegetables. Experience the authentic taste of Spain with this easy-to-follow recipe – perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Get ready for a delicious culinary journey!

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