17 Hearty Vegan Lentil Recipes

I keep a bag of lentils in my pantry at all times. They’re one of my favorite ingredients because they cook quickly, don’t need soaking, and make any meal feel hearty and filling.

Whether they’re the star of a soup, formed into a burger, or spiced for a taco filling, lentils are my reliable way to add protein and substance to a vegan meal.

These recipes are what I make when I want something comforting, nourishing, and easy on a weeknight.

1. Classic Lentil Soup

Brown lentils, carrots, celery, and onions simmered in a savory vegetable broth with a touch of tomato paste. This is my go-to soup more than any other.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 240
2. Protein: 15g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 2g
5. Fiber: 18g

Click here for the full recipe

2. Lentil Sloppy Joes

Brown lentils cooked and mashed slightly with a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce, served on a toasted bun. It’s a messy, childhood favorite made vegan.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 300
2. Protein: 16g
3. Carbs: 52g
4. Fat: 4g
5. Fiber: 17g

Click here for the full recipe

3. Red Lentil Dahl

Red lentils cooked down with turmeric, cumin, and ginger into a creamy, comforting stew. I eat it over rice with a squeeze of lemon.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 280
2. Protein: 16g
3. Carbs: 48g
4. Fat: 4g
5. Fiber: 14g

Click here for the full recipe

4. Lentil “Meat” Bolognese

Finely chopped mushrooms and brown lentils simmered in a rich, herby tomato sauce. It’s a thick, hearty sauce perfect for pasta or lasagna.

Nutrition per serving (sauce only):

1. Calories: 190
2. Protein: 13g
3. Carbs: 30g
4. Fat: 3g
5. Fiber: 14g

Click here for the full recipe

5. Crispy Lentil Walnut Tacos

A taco “meat” made from cooked lentils and chopped walnuts seasoned with taco spices. The walnuts give it a fantastic, meaty texture.

Nutrition per serving (2 tacos):

1. Calories: 290
2. Protein: 14g
3. Carbs: 30g
4. Fat: 14g
5. Fiber: 12g

Click here for the full recipe

6. Lentil and Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie

A savory filling of lentils, carrots, and peas topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 320
2. Protein: 15g
3. Carbs: 55g
4. Fat: 6g
5. Fiber: 19g

Click here for the full recipe

7. French Lentil Salad with Herbs

Chewy, nutty green lentils (lentilles du Puy) tossed in a mustard vinaigrette with lots of fresh parsley and dill. This salad holds up for days.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 220
2. Protein: 14g
3. Carbs: 35g
4. Fat: 3g
5. Fiber: 16g

Click here for the full recipe

8. Spicy Lentil and Potato Curry

A hearty curry with brown lentils, potatoes, and spinach in a coconut milk broth. Serve with naan for dipping.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 340
2. Protein: 17g
3. Carbs: 52g
4. Fat: 9g
5. Fiber: 20g

Click here for the full recipe

9. Lentil “Meatball” Sub

Flavorful lentil and oat meatballs baked until firm, then simmered in marinara and served in a sub roll with melted vegan cheese.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 380
2. Protein: 18g
3. Carbs: 60g
4. Fat: 9g
5. Fiber: 17g

Click here for the full recipe

10. Creamy Red Lentil Soup

Red lentils break down completely to create a naturally creamy, smooth soup. I add a swirl of coconut milk and a pinch of smoked paprika.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 260
2. Protein: 15g
3. Carbs: 40g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 15g

Click here for the full recipe

11. Lentil and Mushroom Burgers

A sturdy, grill-able burger patty made from a mix of brown lentils, sautéed mushrooms, and breadcrumbs. They hold together perfectly.

Nutrition per serving (1 burger patty):

1. Calories: 220
2. Protein: 12g
3. Carbs: 35g
4. Fat: 4g
5. Fiber: 13g

Click here for the full recipe

12. Lentil Chili

A thick, beanless chili where lentils provide all the protein and texture. Loaded with peppers, corn, and tomatoes.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 250
2. Protein: 16g
3. Carbs: 45g
4. Fat: 2g
5. Fiber: 20g

Click here for the full recipe

13. Lentil and Rice Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of cooked lentils, rice, and tomatoes, then baked until the peppers are tender.

Nutrition per serving (1 pepper):

1. Calories: 210
2. Protein: 11g
3. Carbs: 40g
4. Fat: 2g
5. Fiber: 14g

Click here for the full recipe

14. Lemon Lentil Soup (Avgolemono Style)

A brothy soup with brown lentils and greens, finished with a creamy, lemony sauce made from blended cashews or vegan yogurt.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 230
2. Protein: 14g
3. Carbs: 32g
4. Fat: 6g
5. Fiber: 15g

Click here for the full recipe

15. Breakfast Lentil Hash

Cooked brown lentils sautéed with diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers until everything is crispy. A savory, high-protein start to the day.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 240
2. Protein: 14g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 3g
5. Fiber: 17g

Click here for the full recipe

16. Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew (Misir Wot)

Red lentils stewed with berbere spice blend into a flavorful, thick dish. Traditionally eaten with injera bread, but it’s great with rice too.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 270
2. Protein: 16g
3. Carbs: 46g
4. Fat: 4g
5. Fiber: 16g

Click here for the full recipe

17. Lentil “Taco” Salad

A deconstructed taco in a bowl. Spiced lentils over chopped romaine with corn, tomatoes, avocado, and a creamy cilantro lime dressing.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 350
2. Protein: 18g
3. Carbs: 48g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 22g

Click here for the full recipe