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  4. 22 Dinner Recipes to Make With Dried Lentils

22 Dinner Recipes to Make With Dried Lentils

A portrait of Alex Loh
Alex Loh Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD March 20, 2020
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
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Lemony Lentil Soup with Collards

Make the most of dried lentils with these dinner recipes. This legume is becoming more popular as it is high in protein and doesn't require soaking like dried beans do. They also cook quickly so you can have a nutritious dinner on the table easily. Recipes like Lemony Lentil Soup with Collards and Lamb & Lentil Shepherd's Pie are hearty, tasty and the perfect meal for weeknights.

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Slow-Cooker Lentil, Carrot & Potato Soup

Slow-Cooker Lentil, Carrot & Potato Soup
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Puréeing some of the lentil-vegetable mixture, and then combining it with the remaining vegetables and lentils gives the soup a texture that satisfies those who love a creamy soup and those who prefer it chunky. Serve this slow-cooker lentil soup with crackers. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

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Lemony Lentil Soup with Collards

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You don't need broth for this lentil soup recipe--it's rich thanks to the browned bits in the bottom of the pan that meld into the soup, packing it with flavor. Ground coriander, from the seed of the cilantro plant, has a floral, citrusy flavor that dovetails nicely with the lemon. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2019

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Slow-Cooker Dal Makhani

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Using a slow cooker for this dal curry recipe is brilliant--the lentils cook until they're perfectly tender. For the creamiest results, use whole urad dal (versus split), which you can get online or at Indian markets. This particular bean breaks down beautifully, giving the dish its rich, creamy texture. For a stovetop variation, see below. Serve it over rice with Indian-style green chutney and a side of plain yogurt. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2016

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Chilean Lentil Stew with Salsa Verde

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This healthy vegetarian recipe is hearty and satisfying. Don't skip the parsley relish (salsa verde)--it's easy to make and lends a tangy accent that balances the flavors of the lentil stew. We prefer French green lentils for this stew, as they don't fall apart while cooking; however, regular brown lentils (found in most supermarkets) will also work. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Fall 2019

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Catfish with Sherry Vinegar Lentils

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In this healthy catfish recipe, a brush of Dijon mustard and a generous sprinkle of crushed peppercorns temper the subtle earthy flavor this fish is sometimes known for. Feel free to use farmed catfish in this recipe: catfish are omnivorous, so they have a lighter environmental impact than farmed species that need to be fed pellets made from other fish. Source: EatingWell Magazine, October 2019

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Slow-Cooker Squash, Millet & Lentil Dal with Herbed Yogurt

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This slow-cooker dal recipe has a range of pleasing textures: red lentils and millet break down as they cook, and the toor dal, which are split pigeon peas, stay toothsome. Look for all three ingredients at Indian markets or natural-foods stores. The crock pot does most of the work for this healthy vegetarian recipe, and a quick herbed yogurt added just before serving brightens up the flavors. Bonus: Both the dal and the yogurt can be made ahead and the leftovers are wonderful. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September 2019

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Vegan Shepherd's Pie

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Lentils take the place of ground meat and vegan butter adds creaminess to the mashed potatoes in this easy vegan shepherd's pie recipe. If you want to cut down on the cooking time, use precooked lentils and omit most of the vegetable broth, adding some in only if the mixture seems dry. Source: EatingWell.com, December 2019

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Curried Lentil Stuffed Squash

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In this stuffed squash recipe, a spicy red lentil curry stew fills acorn squash. If you find them at your market use tasty jarred piquillo peppers in this. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2012

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Ethiopian-Spiced Chicken Stew

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This chicken stew, generously seasoned with the Ethiopian spice mix berbere, is loaded with tomato and red lentils. Depending on brand, berbere spice blend can be rather spicy. For a less spicy stew, start with 3 tablespoons spice blend rather than 5. Source: EatingWell Soups Special Issue April 2016

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Quick Lentil Salmon Salad

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In this budget-friendly salmon recipe, canned salmon tops lentils, carrots and celery--ingredients you probably have on hand already. Fiber-rich lentils come in a variety of colors and they typically cook faster than dried beans, so they're a great choice for a fast weeknight dinner. Source: EatingWell Magazine, March/April 2016

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Almond-Lentil Burgers

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You won't feel like you're missing out at the BBQ when you're enjoying these lentil burgers. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Roasted Root Veggies & Greens over Spiced Lentils

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This earthy bowl of lentils bursting with Middle Eastern flavors is topped with leftover roasted root veggies from a large batch for an easy weeknight dinner. Keep it vegan or add a drizzle of plain yogurt for extra richness. Source: EatingWell.com, April 2017

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Lentil Taco Salad

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Lentils are ideal for cooking in the slow cooker. Start this recipe early in the morning and you and your family will be rewarded with a deliciously warm Mexican-inspired taco salad for dinner. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Instant Pot Lentil Soup

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This Instant Pot lentil soup is quick enough to prepare when you get home from work for an easy weeknight dinner. This vegetarian soup recipe is full of aromatic vegetables, brown lentils and fresh spinach. A splash of balsamic vinegar brightens the flavor, and a garnish of radish and parsley gives this comforting soup a fresh finish. Source: EatingWell.com, December 2019

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Green Lentil Curry Masabacha

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Masabacha is a thick stew that in this case serves as the backbone to a hearty and healthy breakfast bowl. But the real star here is the silky whipped tahini sauce, made by simply pureeing tahini and water with garlic and lemon juice until the mixture is transformed into a light, spreadable sauce. Serve with warm pita and some vegetables for dipping. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May 2019

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Lamb & Lentil Shepherd's Pie

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This twist on a traditional Shepard's Pie recipe uses lentils and is garnished with fresh mint. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Red Lentil, Quinoa, and Flaxseed Pilaf

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Look for red lentils and quinoa at a large supermarket or a store that carries a wide selection of legumes and grains. Pairing them with flaxseeds boosts the nutrition of this pilaf. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Squash and Lentil Soup

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After some quick prep, your slow cooker will do the rest of the work. This Indian-inspired, high-protein soup has sweet butternut squash, earthy brown lentils and garam masala, and will delight the whole family. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Moroccan Lentil Salad

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This healthy date, carrot and lentil salad recipe is flavored with a spiced preserved-lemon dressing. While most salads taste best when freshly assembled, lentil salads appreciate time for the flavors to marry so try to make it at least a few hours ahead if you can. Bring the salad to room temperature before serving and adjust salt if needed.

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Squash & Red Lentil Curry

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This healthy red lentil curry recipe has a rich flavor and complexity that tastes like it takes hours to prepare. Butternut squash and coconut milk combine with the lentils to make a hearty vegetarian dish. Serve with brown rice or naan bread. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2015

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Lentil Vegetable Dal with Chicken

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Use left-over chicken to make this flavorful dal recipe in just 30 minutes! Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Ratatouille with Lentils

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Add lentils to the traditional ratatouille recipe to make it a vegetarian main dish. And because it's made in the slow cooker, it's easy and convenient. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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    1 of 22 Slow-Cooker Lentil, Carrot & Potato Soup
    2 of 22 Lemony Lentil Soup with Collards
    3 of 22 Slow-Cooker Dal Makhani
    4 of 22 Chilean Lentil Stew with Salsa Verde
    5 of 22 Catfish with Sherry Vinegar Lentils
    6 of 22 Slow-Cooker Squash, Millet & Lentil Dal with Herbed Yogurt
    7 of 22 Vegan Shepherd's Pie
    8 of 22 Curried Lentil Stuffed Squash
    9 of 22 Ethiopian-Spiced Chicken Stew
    10 of 22 Quick Lentil Salmon Salad
    11 of 22 Almond-Lentil Burgers
    12 of 22 Roasted Root Veggies & Greens over Spiced Lentils
    13 of 22 Lentil Taco Salad
    14 of 22 Instant Pot Lentil Soup
    15 of 22 Green Lentil Curry Masabacha
    16 of 22 Lamb & Lentil Shepherd's Pie
    17 of 22 Red Lentil, Quinoa, and Flaxseed Pilaf
    18 of 22 Squash and Lentil Soup
    19 of 22 Moroccan Lentil Salad
    20 of 22 Squash & Red Lentil Curry
    21 of 22 Lentil Vegetable Dal with Chicken
    22 of 22 Ratatouille with Lentils

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    22 Dinner Recipes to Make With Dried Lentils
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