Creative Ways to Use Lentils Beyond Soup
- Dr. Amy Knaperek, PharmD
- Apr 8
- 15 min read
Lentils are often thought of as the star ingredient in hearty soups, but their potential goes far beyond the bowl. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, lentils are an affordable and versatile staple that can elevate countless dishes. If you're looking to expand your culinary horizons and make the most of this humble legume, you’re in the right place. From snacks to main courses, there are countless creative ways to use lentils that might just surprise you.
Lentil-Based Breakfast Ideas
Lentils aren’t just for soups and stews—they can help kickstart your morning with energy and nutrition. High in protein, fiber, and essential minerals, lentils offer a unique spin on breakfast classics. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, a savory meal, or a quick protein boost, lentils have you covered.
Lentil Pancakes
Lentil flour can be your new best friend for making fluffy, protein-packed pancakes that are naturally gluten-free. Start by picking up lentil flour at your local grocery store or making it yourself by blending dried lentils in a high-speed blender until fine. Here's a recipe from mypureplants.com to create these nutrient-rich pancakes:
Sweet Red Lentil Protein Pancakes (Vegan, GF)
These lentil pancakes are light, sweet, and fluffy without needing any eggs and milk. What is best is that they contain a natural protein source from red lentils and only require six pantry staples. Thanks to the delicious flavor, you will not be able to guess they contain lentils, and they are essentially vegan protein pancakes without using any protein powder.
Prep Time 5minutes minutes
Cook Time 5minutes minutes
Soaking1hour hour
Total Time1hour hour 10minutes minutes
Servings 12 pancakes
Author: Emese Maczko
Ingredients
½ cup Red lentils soaked for at least an hour or overnight
1 cup Buckwheat flour
½ cup White rice flour
1 Tbsp Corn starch
1+½ cup Dairy-free milk
⅓ cup Coconut sugar
1 Tbsp Baking powder
1 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Vanilla extract optional
pinch of salt
Instructions
Soak the red lentils for at least 1-2 hours. If you would like to have them for breakfast, then soak them overnight. When you are ready to work with them, discard the soaking water.
Add soaked red lentils, non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract to the blender. Blend it until smooth.
Stop the blender and add the dry ingredients: the flour, the baking powder, and the coconut sugar (or the sweetener of your choice). Blend it until nice and smooth.
Preheat a griddle or a frying pan on the stovetop over low-medium heat. To be safe, you can coat it with some oil if yours is not non-stick.
Spoon ¼ – ⅓ cup of the batter and cook one side. Flip when bubbles appear, and edges harden.
Decrease the temperate a bit to ensure that the pancakes and the soaked raw red lentils are cooked thoroughly.
If both sides are golden brown, they are ready! Cover the cooked pancakes until you’re ready to eat them, as they are always better when served warmly.
Notes
High-powered blender vs immersion blender – If you have an immersion blender, only you can use that. The batter may not be as smooth, but if you blend them long enough, any small pieces will still cook properly. Pre-cooked red lentils are easier to blend, so you can choose to use that instead of raw ones.
Why do you need apple cider vinegar at all? – If you want your pancakes to be fluffy and light, you need a leavening agent like baking powder. It will only react and inflate the pancakes if exposed to any type of acid. So you need apple cider vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Why don’t you need xanthan gum? – If you use a boxed gluten-free flour mix with xanthan gum, your pancakes may turn out gummy. As that is exactly what xanthan gum does, makes them rubbery and gummy. While it is beneficial for yeast doughs like pizza, you don’t want your pancakes to be gummy.
Why are my pancakes soggy? – You probably used high heat, which meant that the outside got golden brown while the inside wasn’t cooked through. Lower the heat then.
Original recipe: I used 2 cups of oat flour (185 g) instead of 1 cup buckwheat flour + ½ cup white rice flour + 1 Tbsp cornstarch.
Savory Lentil Breakfast Bowls
If you’re in the mood for something hearty and satisfying, a savory lentil breakfast bowl is a perfect fit. Think of this as a breakfast take on a grain bowl, but with lentils as the base. To build your bowl, follow these steps:
Start with your cooked lentils. Green or brown lentils work best since they hold their shape. Cook them with a bit of salt, garlic, and bay leaf for added flavor.
Incorporate fresh elements. Add a handful of sautéed spinach or kale and some sliced avocado for creamy texture.
Season to taste. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, chili flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil. Want extra flair? A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of vegan feta cheese takes it to the next level.
This breakfast bowl is endlessly customizable, allowing you to pair flavors that you love while staying full and energized for hours.
Lentil Smoothies
If you enjoy smoothies for a quick breakfast, red lentils can be an easy way to add protein without overpowering the flavor. Thanks to their mild taste, cooked red lentils blend seamlessly into fruit or green smoothie recipes. Here's how to use lentils in your next blend:
Prep your lentils. Cook red lentils until soft, rinse them in cold water, and store them in the fridge for the week.
Choose your smoothie base. Combine your preferred liquid (almond milk, orange juice, or regular milk) with a handful of fruits like bananas, berries, or mango.
Add a scoop of lentils. About ¼ cup of cooked lentils should do the trick. This small addition boosts protein by several grams and adds creamy texture to the mix.
Blend and adjust. Throw in extras like spinach, chia seeds, or a spoonful of peanut butter for added nutrients and taste.
Lentil smoothies are an easy way to incorporate plant-based protein into your morning routine. They’re great for busy schedules, delivering quick, long-lasting energy.
Lentils bring versatility and nutrition to breakfast, and these creative ideas prove that they’re just as suited to early mornings as they are to dinner. From pancakes to savory bowls and smoothies, lentils are the perfect addition to any morning meal.
Creative Snacks Featuring Lentils
Lentils are an excellent base ingredient for creating snacks that are flavorful, nutritious, and anything but ordinary. Their natural protein content and adaptability make them perfect for healthy alternatives to classic snack foods. Whether you prefer something crunchy, spicy, or bite-sized, these lentil-based snacks are sure to keep you coming back for more.
Spicy Lentil Crackers
If you love dips or need a crunchy snack to munch on, try making lentil-based crackers with a kick. These crackers are not only gluten-free but packed with protein and seasoned to perfection. Here’s how to make them:
Prepare the dough: Start by blending cooked lentils into a smooth puree. Combine a cup of this puree with a half-cup of chickpea or oat flour to form a dough. Sprinkle in your preferred spices—paprika, cumin, and garlic powder work great. Add a bit of salt and a teaspoon of olive oil for flavor and texture.
Roll out and season: Roll the dough thinly between two sheets of parchment paper to ensure even baking. Remove the top sheet and lightly spray or brush the surface with oil. Sprinkle extra spices or sesame seeds for texture and flavor.
Cut and bake: Use a knife or pizza cutter to create small cracker shapes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through so they crisp evenly.
These crackers work wonderfully with hummus, guacamole, or simply on their own. They’re spicy, crunchy, and perfect for snack time.
Crispy Lentil Chips
For those who crave the satisfying crunch of a chip, lentils can easily transform into the ideal snack. Lentil chips bring the same joy as your favorite store-bought options without the excess oil or preservatives. Here’s how to make them at home:
Mix the ingredients: Mash cooked lentils into a paste, then combine with a small amount of flour (rice flour or lentil flour works well). Aim for a dough that can be rolled out but isn’t overly sticky.
Shape the chips: Roll the dough thin to achieve an extra-crispy texture. Cut into triangles, strips, or any shape you like using a knife or cookie cutter.
Bake or fry: For a lighter option, bake the chips at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, until golden. If you prefer a richer flavor, fry them in hot oil until crispy, then drain on paper towels.
Finish them off with a sprinkle of sea salt or your favorite seasoning. These chips pair perfectly with salsa or can be enjoyed plain for a satisfying snack.
Roasted Lentil Snacks
Sometimes you just need a handful of something savory to keep you going, and roasted lentils are an easy go-to. Think of these as the healthier cousin to roasted nuts, but just as addictive. Here’s how to make them:
Prepare your lentils: Start with cooked and well-drained lentils. Make sure they are as dry as possible—use a paper towel to remove excess moisture—so they roast evenly.
Season generously: Toss the lentils in a bowl with olive oil and your choice of seasonings. Popular picks include smoked paprika, curry powder, garlic powder, or even cayenne if you prefer some heat.
Roast to perfection: Spread the lentils in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. They should turn crispy and golden.
These crunchy lentil snacks are perfect for sprinkling on salads, soups, or simply eating by the handful. Plus, you can easily customize the flavors to suit your mood—sweet and savory blends like cinnamon and honey work just as well as spicy ones.
From crackers to chips and roasted bites, lentils prove they can easily transform into simple yet sophisticated snacks. These ideas are great for meal prep or enjoying on the spot, leaving no excuse not to try these protein-packed alternatives.
Lentils as a Base for Main Dishes
Lentils are a powerhouse ingredient that can replace heavier carbs or proteins in meals without sacrificing taste or satiety. Their hearty texture and mild flavor make them an excellent base for a variety of main dishes. Whether you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of a favorite recipe or simply want to try something new, lentils fit the bill.
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Lentils
Stuffed bell peppers are a fantastic way to use lentils as a filling, creating a dish that's as visually appealing as it is satisfying. Here's how to bring it all together:
Prepare the peppers: Slice the tops off of fresh bell peppers (any color will work) and remove the seeds inside. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish with a splash of water to prevent sticking while baking. Roast at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes to soften them slightly.
Cook the filling: In a pan, sauté diced onion, garlic, and your favorite vegetables (such as zucchini and mushrooms) in olive oil until tender. Add in 1 ½ cups of cooked lentils, 1 cup of cooked rice or quinoa, and your preferred herbs and spices—think paprika, oregano, or cumin. Stir in a can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for moisture.
Fill and bake: Spoon the lentil filling into the roasted peppers, packing it tightly. Top each pepper with shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
These stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own but pair wonderfully with a green salad or some crusty bread.
Lentil-Based Veggie Burgers
Homemade veggie burgers don’t need an extensive ingredients list to be delicious and satisfying. Lentils provide the perfect base, thanks to their hearty texture and protein content. Here's how to craft your own lentil burger patties:
Mash your lentils: Use a fork or potato masher to partially mash 2 cups of cooked green or brown lentils. Leave some texture for a bite.
Mix it all together: In a large bowl, combine the mashed lentils with ½ cup of breadcrumbs, one egg (or a flaxseed egg for a vegan option), 1 finely chopped onion, and your preferred seasonings—garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper are great starters.
Form the patties: Shape the mixture into burger-sized patties. If the mix feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry, add a splash of olive oil or a tablespoon of water.
Cook the patties: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re browned and firm.
Serve your lentil burger on a toasted bun with all the classic fixings, or go bunless with a big lettuce wrap. Either way, it’s a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Lentil Stir-Fry
Looking for a quick, high-protein dinner idea? Lentils are the perfect addition to your favorite vegetable stir-fry. They blend beautifully with rich sauces and bold flavors while adding a nutritious twist. Here’s how to use lentils in a stir-fry:
Prepare your ingredients: Start with cooked, firm lentils—green or brown varieties work best here. Chop an assortment of stir-fry vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots.
Cook in stages: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Start with the harder vegetables like carrots and broccoli, adding softer ones like bell peppers and snap peas toward the end.
Add lentils and sauce: Once the vegetables are tender-crisp, toss in 1 cup of cooked lentils. Pour in your favorite stir-fry sauce—store-bought works fine, or make your own with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve the stir-fry over rice or noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a lighter meal. This dish is endlessly flexible, so feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors.
Lentil Pasta Sauce
For a satisfying, plant-based twist on classic marinara sauce, lentils make an ideal replacement for ground meat. They soak up flavors beautifully and pack in plenty of protein and fiber. Here's how to create a lentil-based pasta sauce:
Sauté the base: In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced carrots or celery until soft.
Build the sauce: Stir in a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, a cup of vegetable broth, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the lentils: Mix in about 1 ½ cups of cooked green or brown lentils. Season the sauce with dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve it up: Toss the sauce with cooked pasta of your choice—spaghetti, penne, or even zucchini noodles all work well. Top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a final touch.
This lentil pasta sauce is hearty, wholesome, and perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Plus, it freezes well, so you can make a big batch and save extra for later.
With their nutrition-packed profile and adaptable texture, lentils easily take center stage in these main dishes. Each recipe offers a delicious, plant-based alternative to traditional meals while proving just how versatile lentils can be. Whether stuffed in peppers, shaped into burgers, or stirred into a savory sauce, lentils are the ultimate secret weapon for creative and nutritious cooking.
Sweet Treats with Lentils
Lentils might not be your first thought for dessert ingredients, but they’re a surprising addition that brings both nutrition and texture to sweet recipes. They’re naturally rich in protein and fiber, making them the perfect way to create treats that satisfy your sweet tooth while offering some wholesome benefits. Whether you use whole lentils, puree them, or incorporate lentil flour, these recipes showcase how versatile this legume can be in desserts.
Chocolate Lentil Brownies
Brownies are a classic favorite, but adding pureed lentils to the batter takes them to the next level. Not only do lentils enhance the batter's moisture, but they also boost the dessert with added nutrients like protein and fiber. You’d never know they’re there—promise!
To start, cook a cup of red or green lentils until soft, then puree them until they’re completely smooth. Substitute about half of the oil or butter in your brownie recipe with the lentil puree, and mix it into the batter as you would any liquid ingredient. The lentils don’t affect the rich chocolate flavor you love; instead, they add a fudgy, moist texture that keeps the brownies from feeling heavy.
For an added twist, stir in dark chocolate chips or nuts before baking. These lentil-infused brownies are a guilt-free treat for kids and adults alike, and they’re perfect for sneaking a little nutrition into dessert without sacrificing flavor.
Lentil Energy Balls
If you’re a fan of no-bake snacks, lentil energy balls are a fun and easy option to try. These bite-sized treats combine the natural sweetness of dates with the earthy richness of lentils in an unexpectedly delicious way. They’re perfect for pre-workout fuel, mid-afternoon snacking, or even a light dessert.
Here’s how you can make them: Start with 1 cup of cooked lentils and blend them with about 1 cup of pitted dates in a food processor until smooth. Add a handful of nuts (such as almonds or walnuts), 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and a splash of vanilla extract. If you prefer a stronger flavor, sprinkle in cinnamon or a pinch of salt. Blend everything until the mixture holds together. Roll the dough into small balls and coat each one in shredded coconut, chia seeds, or cocoa powder for added texture.
These energy balls are portable, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Swap the nuts for seeds, or add some chocolate chips for variety. However you make them, they’re a treat that hits the sweet spot between indulgence and health.
Lentil Cookies
Baking cookies with lentils might sound unusual, but trust us—lentil flour is the hero ingredient you didn’t know your cookies needed. It’s a protein-rich, gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat flour, and it works beautifully in recipes for chewy, hearty cookies. Think peanut butter, oatmeal, chocolate chip—you name it.
To try it, replace up to half of the regular flour in your favorite cookie recipe with lentil flour. Lentil flour has a soft, nutty flavor that complements sweet cookie doughs, especially if you pair it with ingredients like maple syrup, honey, or dark chocolate. The proteins in lentil flour can even help give your cookies a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.
Using lentils in desserts proves that healthy and delicious can go hand in hand. Whether you’re baking brownies, whipping up quick energy balls, or experimenting with lentil flour cookies, these fun and flavorful recipes are a fantastic way to sweeten your lentil repertoire.
International Dishes that Highlight Lentils
Lentils play a vital role in cuisines around the globe. Their nutritional benefits, affordability, and versatility make them a staple in countless traditional dishes. Whether used as a base, filling, or star ingredient, lentils adapt to diverse flavors and techniques. Let’s take a closer look at how different cultures incorporate lentils into their signature recipes.
Indian Dosas and Lentil Curries
Indian cuisine places lentils, known as "dal," at the center of countless meals. One creative way to explore lentils is by using them in fermented dosa batter. Dosas are thin, crisp crepes made from a blend of ground rice and lentils, often black gram (urad dal). To prepare dosa batter:
Soak rice and lentils in water (ratios vary but are typically 2:1) for several hours or overnight.
Grind them into a smooth paste, adding just enough water for a batter-like consistency.
Allow the mixture to ferment at room temperature for 8–12 hours, giving it a tangy flavor.
Spread the batter thinly on a hot skillet, cook until crispy, and serve dosas alongside chutneys or spiced potato filling.
For a comforting meal, Indian lentil curries cannot be overlooked. Dishes like tadka dal or sambar showcase the rich flavors of lentils. Spices such as turmeric, cumin, and mustard seeds elevate simple lentils into aromatic, hearty meals. Most curries pair wonderfully with rice or flatbreads, making them endlessly versatile.
Middle Eastern Lentil Falafels
Falafels are traditionally made with chickpeas, but lentils offer a delightful twist. Using lentils creates a uniquely earthy flavor without losing the crispy, savory appeal falafels are known for. Here’s a simple lentil falafel recipe:
Start with lentils: Use green or brown lentils for this version. Cook 1 cup of lentils until tender, then drain and allow them to cool.
Prepare the base: Blend the lentils with fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, onion, 2 tablespoons of flour (or oat flour for gluten-free), and spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
Form and fry: Shape the mixture into small balls or patties. Fry them in hot oil until crispy and golden on the outside.
Serve these lentil falafels in pita bread with tahini sauce, cucumber, and tomato for a refreshing twist. You can also bake or air-fry them for a lighter take.
French Lentil Salads
French green lentils, commonly known as lentilles du Puy, have a firm texture and a nutty flavor that makes them perfect for salads. A classic preparation involves infusing the lentils with the bold flavors of Herbes de Provence, a blend including thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
Cook the lentils with a bay leaf, garlic, and salt to enhance their flavor.
Prepare a light vinaigrette using olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and a touch of honey or maple syrup.
Toss the cooked, cooled lentils with the vinaigrette, and add fresh parsley, diced shallots, and sliced cherry tomatoes. Optional toppings include crumbled goat cheese, toasted nuts, or a poached egg.
This lentil salad is refreshing yet filling, balancing elegance with simplicity. It’s a great side dish or a light main course.
Ethiopian Lentil Stews
In Ethiopian cuisine, lentils form the basis of rich, spiced stews like misir wot. These stews are deeply flavorful thanks to berbere spice, a blend that typically includes chili powder, fenugreek, coriander, ginger, and cinnamon. The cooking method is straightforward but yields complex results.
Prepare the base: Start by sautéing finely chopped onions in niter kibbeh (a spiced clarified butter) or oil. Add minced garlic and ginger, followed by a generous amount of berbere spice.
Add the lentils: Stir in red lentils and coat them well with the spiced onion mixture. Add water or vegetable broth to cover the lentils, and let them simmer until soft, stirring occasionally.
Finish with balance: Adjust seasoning with salt and lemon juice for a burst of acidity to complement the spices.
Serve misir wot with injera, a spongy flatbread that doubles as a utensil. The complex flavors of the stew mingle beautifully with the tangy sourdough taste of the bread, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.
Each dish highlights how lentils adapt to the unique flavors of different cultures. From crispy dosas to vibrant salads or bold stews, lentils remain a core ingredient that elevates meals around the world. What new flavor combinations will you try next?
Lentils are a culinary treasure, offering endless possibilities far beyond their traditional use in soups. Their affordability, versatility, and impressive nutritional profile make them an ideal ingredient for creative, health-focused meals. From hearty breakfasts and satisfying snacks to innovative main courses, desserts, and global dishes, lentils can fit seamlessly into every meal of the day.
Experimenting with lentils not only adds variety to your menu but also promotes balanced, budget-friendly eating. As these ideas show, lentils are easy to prepare and adapt to bold flavors, sweet treats, and classic recipes alike. Why not give one of these options a try? Share your creations, and see how lentils can transform your kitchen into a hub for inspired cooking.
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