You Bought A Bag Of Lentils, Now What? 27 Recipes To Actually Use Them

You bought a bag of lentils. Now it’s sitting in your pantry, staring at you, while you wonder why you thought you’d suddenly become the kind of person who makes lentil soup from scratch. Good news—you don’t have to overthink it. Lentils are cheap, cook fast, and work in way more recipes than you probably realize. Whether you want a hearty stew, a simple salad, or something packed with bold spices, there’s a way to use them that won’t feel like a chore.

Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup

This soup makes the most of lentils by adding mushrooms, green beans, and spinach for a veggie-packed meal. Everything comes together in the Instant Pot, making it an easy way to get something hearty on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup

Lentil Bolognese

Classic bolognese, but without the meat. Lentils make the sauce thick, hearty, and packed with texture. Serve it over pasta, and you’ve got a great, budget-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Bolognese

Lentil Stuffed Eggplant

Eggplant halves get loaded with a hearty mix of lentils, tomatoes, and greens, then roasted until tender. Top it with goat cheese for some extra richness, or keep it simple for a fully plant-based meal.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Stuffed Eggplant

Lentil Tabbouleh

Another tabbouleh take, but this one sticks a little closer to tradition while swapping in lentils for a more filling bite. Fresh, bright, and great as a side or a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Tabbouleh

Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad

Creamy avocado, tart cranberries, and hearty lentils come together in this no-fuss salad. The lemon Dijon dressing ties it all together for a meal that’s easy but definitely not boring.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad

Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

Lentils, vegetables, and just the right amount of seasoning make this stew thick, cozy, and great for any night of the week. Serve it over rice or any grain you like for an even heartier meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

Lentils get an upgrade in this Moroccan-inspired dish with lamb, chickpeas, and bold spices. Serve with fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt for extra balance.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

Maharashtrian Drumstick Dal

Lentils meet bold, punchy flavors in this classic Maharashtrian dish. Spiced, tangy, and a little sweet, it’s a great way to turn that bag of lentils into something that actually makes you excited for dinner. The drumsticks (the vegetable, not the chicken) soak up all that flavor, making every bite better than the last.
Get the Recipe: Maharashtrian Drumstick Dal

Dal Bukhara

This is the slow-cooked, buttery, creamy lentil dish dreams are made of. Simmered for hours with garlic and plenty of butter, these black lentils get thick, velvety, and packed with flavor. You don’t need a plane ticket to Delhi to get the real deal—this version brings that restaurant-quality richness straight to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Dal Bukhara

Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Dump, set, and walk away. That’s all it takes to get a big, hearty pot of lentil soup that’s packed with vegetables and flavor. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, turning lentils into a thick, comforting meal with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Instant Pot Sausage Lentil Soup

This soup makes cold nights way more bearable. Hearty lentils, savory sausage, and simple ingredients come together in the Instant Pot for a no-fuss, flavor-packed dinner that’s ready fast. It’s thick, rich, and great with a side of crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Sausage Lentil Soup

Harissa Chicken with Lentils

Spicy harissa meets tender chicken and hearty lentils in this one-pot meal. Everything cooks together, soaking up all those bold flavors in under an hour. It’s filling, packs a little heat, and leaves you with minimal dishes.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Chicken with Lentils

Harira

This Moroccan soup proves that lentils can hold their own in a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and layered with spices. Tomatoes, chickpeas, lentils, and warming seasonings come together for a meal that’s just as good the next day—so go ahead and make a big batch.
Get the Recipe: Harira

Sopa de Lentejas

Lentils, Mexican-style. This soup is loaded with vegetables, cozy seasonings, and enough substance to keep you full without feeling weighed down. A great way to turn lentils into something you actually look forward to eating.
Get the Recipe: Sopa de Lentejas

Broccoli Lentil Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Lentils make this salad way more than just a pile of greens. Broccoli, olives, sunflower seeds, and feta come together with a punchy tahini dressing to give you something hearty, fresh, and full of texture. Perfect for meal prep or a quick, no-cook lunch.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Lentil Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Caprese Grilled Asparagus and Lentils

Lentils make this summer-inspired dish a little more substantial. Grilled asparagus, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic turn this into a side that could just as easily be a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Grilled Asparagus and Lentils

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Classic comfort food, but make it plant-based. A thick, rich layer of lentils stands in for the meat, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes that get golden and crispy in the oven. Hearty, filling, and the kind of meal that makes you feel like you accomplished something—without actually working too hard.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Chickpea & Lentil Curry

Thick, saucy, and loaded with flavor, this curry comes together in under 30 minutes. The lentils and chickpeas soak up all those warming spices, making every bite rich and full of texture. Perfect over rice or with a stack of naan.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea & Lentil Curry

Red Lentil Dal

Red lentils break down into a creamy, spiced dish that’s bold, flavorful, and perfect over rice. With garlic, cumin, and dried chilis, it brings just the right amount of heat. A quick, easy way to make lentils the star of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Red Lentil Dal

Chickpea and Lentil Curry

Another take on lentil curry, this one brings coconut milk into the mix for a rich, slightly sweet balance to the spices. It’s thick, hearty, and completely plant-based, making it a great one-pot meal when you need something comforting.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea and Lentil Curry

Dijon Vegetable and Lentil Salad

This salad makes lentils feel fresh and light. Packed with vegetables and tossed in a tangy Dijon dressing, it’s a perfect way to add some substance to lunch without feeling weighed down.
Get the Recipe: Dijon Vegetable and Lentil Salad

Lentil Tabbouleh Salad

Lentils step in for bulgur in this twist on tabbouleh, giving it extra protein and making it way more filling. Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and a bright lemon dressing make this an easy meal or side.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Tabbouleh Salad

Hearty Lentil Soup

This one is exactly what it says—hearty, loaded with vegetables, and packed with flavor. Lentils make it filling enough to stand on its own, but a side of crusty bread definitely wouldn’t hurt.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Lentil Soup

Sausage Lentil Soup

Lentils and sausage were made for each other. This soup is rich, thick, and full of comforting flavors that make it perfect for chilly nights.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Lentil Soup

Italian Lentil Soup

Think of this as a cross between minestrone and a hearty lentil stew. It’s packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, giving it a fresh, bright flavor while still being plenty filling.
Get the Recipe: Italian Lentil Soup

One-Pot Lentil Soup

Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, this soup comes together in just 30 minutes. Lentils, carrots, and potatoes make it thick and hearty, and everything cooks in one pot for minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Lentil Soup

Red Curry Lentils with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach

Thai flavors meet lentils in this rich, slightly spicy dish. The natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes balances out the heat from the curry paste, making it a great mix of bold flavors. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Red Curry Lentils with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach