Red Lentils

Lens culinaris Legume

Red Lentils Legume

At a Glance

  • Category Legume

The Forktionary Angle

"The fast-cooking legume champion for nutritious, thick, and hearty meals."

Definition

Small, quick-cooking legumes, typically hulled and split, known for their earthy, slightly sweet flavor and ability to break down to thicken dishes.

Cooking Time (approx.) 15-20 minutes (no pre-soak)
Fiber Content (per 100g cooked) ~8g
Protein Content (per 100g cooked) ~9g

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Red Lentils are:

Earthy Mildly Sweet Nutty

Chef’s Secret

To prevent red lentils from becoming mushy in soups where you want some texture, add them about 15 minutes before the end of cooking, rather than at the beginning.

Best Substitutes

Yellow Split Peas

slightly longer cook
Ratio 1:1

Brown Lentils

longer cook, hold shape more
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Purchase from bulk bins for freshness or well-sealed packages. Check for debris; rinse thoroughly before use.

Recipes Using Red Lentils

Beans Dietary Lentils Low Saturated Fat

Barbs Lentil Soup

This hearty and flavorful lentil soup recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Simple to make yet bursting with taste, it's a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for a chilly evening. Inspired by Barb's amazing culinary skills, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a warm bowl of goodness!

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Poultry Chicken Breasts Cuisine Main Ingredient

Balti Chicken With Tarka Dhal

Ready in under 30 minutes! This vibrant Balti Chicken with Tarka Dhal recipe is a flavor explosion. The creamy dhal, spiced with a fragrant tarka, complements the rich chicken perfectly. Easy enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve alongside your favorite beef or lamb curry for a truly unforgettable Indian feast!

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Inexpensive Main Ingredient Cuisine Low Sodium

Best Ever Lentil Soup

This unbelievably easy and flavorful lentil soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! A friend's secret recipe, this hearty and healthy soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Get ready to experience the best lentil soup you've ever tasted!

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Vegetables Vegetables Soups Stews Occasion

Big Batch Red Lentil Soup

This vibrant and hearty red lentil soup is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for meal prepping! Easy to customize for vegetarian or vegan diets, this recipe yields approximately 20 cups – enough for multiple meals. Made with a blend of sweet and spicy peppers, carrots, and aromatic spices, this soup is bursting with flavor. Skip the optional lime cream for a vegan option. Prepare this in under an hour using a food processor for faster chopping.

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Dietary Grains Pasta Rice And Grains Dietary

Barley And Red Lentil Pilaf

This hearty and flavorful Barley and Red Lentil Pilaf, inspired by a classic Good Taste recipe (2001), is a comforting vegetarian dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The nutty barley and earthy lentils combine beautifully with warming spices and tender vegetables for a satisfying and wholesome meal. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Preparation Dietary Egg Free Comfort Food

Banana Dahl

This comforting and flavorful Banana Dahl recipe is inspired by Simon Rimmer's Greens Vegetarian Restaurant in Manchester. We've adapted the original for a lighter, healthier meal, reducing calories to approximately 230 per serving and fat to just 1.2g! Enjoy the warm spices and creamy texture of this delicious dahl, perfect served with warm chapattis or naan bread. This lighter version omits the fried plantain, using just 4 sprays of cooking oil instead of 2 tablespoons.

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Main Dish Fruit Dietary Russian

Apricot Lentil Soup

This heartwarming Armenian apricot lentil soup is the perfect cozy meal for a chilly evening! Rich, flavorful, and surprisingly sweet and tangy, it's a family favorite that's both quick to make and freezes beautifully. Enjoy it hot or cold – pureed for a velvety smooth texture or chunky for added bite. This versatile soup is packed with flavor and sure to become your new go-to comfort food.

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Main Dish Vegetarian 60 Minutes Or Less Indian

Awesome Sambhar

Craving comforting, flavorful Indian food? This Awesome Sambhar recipe delivers a delicious lentil curry with irresistible spices and just the right touch of heat – perfect for a weeknight meal! Ready in under an hour, it's surprisingly simple to make and pairs beautifully with rice and a fresh salad. Get ready for a taste of authentic Indian comfort food!

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4 Hours Or Less Dietary Healthy 2 Comfort Food

Asian Lentil Loaf

This hearty Asian-inspired lentil loaf is a vegetarian dream come true! Packed with flavor and texture, it's perfect as a satisfying main course or a delicious side dish alongside roasted potatoes. Imagine tender lentils, savory sauteed vegetables, and aromatic spices creating a comforting loaf that's both healthy and incredibly flavorful. Leftovers are even better, transforming into fantastic sandwiches or wraps for lunch the next day! Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Soups Stews 4 Hours Or Less Dietary Time To Make

Autumn Soup To Warm The Soul

Cozy up on a chilly autumn day with this hearty and flavorful soup! Bursting with the vibrant colors and tastes of the season – sweet apples, savory sausage, and tender vegetables – this recipe is the perfect comfort food. Imagine the rich aroma filling your kitchen as you savor each steaming spoonful. Perfect for a blustery evening or a weekend brunch.

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Main Dish Dietary Time To Make Halloween

All Hallows Eve Soup

This vibrant and flavorful All Hallows' Eve Lentil Soup is a low-fat, autumnal delight! Combining the sweetness of orange with savory lentils and tomatoes, this recipe is perfect for a healthy and delicious Halloween meal. Inspired by Reggie D.'s low-fat creations, this unique stew is easy to make and sure to become a new family favorite. Get ready for a spooky good time!

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Beans Time To Make Low In Something Beans

Pronoti's Lentil Soup

Experience the comforting warmth of Pronoti's subtly spiced lentil soup! This incredibly flavorful recipe, adapted from Anna Bergenström's "Nya Anna's Mat," features tender lentils, vibrant spinach, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a special occasion, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to savor every spoonful!

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Asian Healthy 2 Preparation Course

Arabic Lentil Soup Shorbat Addas

Escape to the heart of the Middle East with this authentic Arabic Lentil Soup (Shorbat Adas)! This incredibly flavorful and hearty soup uses minimal ingredients to create a taste sensation that's perfect for a cozy night in. Imagine the rich, earthy aroma of lentils simmering to perfection, creating a velvety smooth broth that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for a chilly evening or rainy day, this recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences – add a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of cumin, or some crispy pita croutons for extra deliciousness. Ready in under 75 minutes, including prep, this is one soup you'll want to make again and again! #arabicsoup #lentilsoup #shorbadadas #comfortfood #easyrecipe #souprecipe #vegetarian #vegan #middleeasternfood

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Comfort Food Lunch Comfort Food Low Cholesterol

Ayurvedic Dahl

Soothe your digestive system and balance your pitta dosha with this flavorful and aromatic Ayurvedic Dahl recipe. This comforting lentil dish is packed with warming spices and is perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal. Easy to follow instructions and ready in under an hour!

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Low Fat 30 Minutes Or Less Vegan Time To Make

A Simple Dahl Recipe

Craving a comforting and flavorful dahl? This easy recipe delivers a perfectly creamy tomato and potato dahl, ideal for serving with roti or naan. Its slightly watery consistency avoids dryness, making it a delicious and satisfying meal in just 25 minutes! Perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Low Calorie 3 Steps Or Less Course Asian

Armenian Apricot Soup

Experience the vibrant flavors of Armenia with this creamy and comforting apricot soup, adapted from David Ansel's 'Soup Peddler's Slow & Difficult Soups'. Sweet apricots mingle with earthy lentils and fragrant spices in a recipe that's both simple and surprisingly elegant. Perfect for a light lunch, a unique dinner party starter, or a cozy autumn evening.

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