14 Best Vegan Lentil Recipes

Lentils are such a tiny powerhouse. They are so nutritious while being so versatile. Lentils can be added to so many different recipes, in so many different styles. With all the lentils I cook, I made a collection of my best vegan lentil recipes.

Are Lentils A Complete Protein?

A complete protein contains nine essential amino acids that your body cannot produce. Lentils are not a complete protein on their own but combined with rice, quinoa, or soy, you will get all nine. It is also helpful to note that you do not need to have this combination in every meal, just every day.

Are Lentils Good For You?

As I mentioned before, lentils have lots of nutritional value. They come in multiple varieties, all of which I love to use in quite various recipes, such as sauces, stews, meatballs, etc. Lentils are quite inexpensive and combined with their high protein content, they are a great meat substitute and staple food.

Along with their high protein content, lentils contain lots of fiber and substantial amounts of over a dozen essential vitamins and minerals. For example, many vegans and vegetarians have trouble obtaining enough iron in their diets, and a cup of lentils contains 37% of the recommended daily intake of iron.

They also contain 90% of the recommended daily intake of folate, an especially important vitamin in pregnant women’s diets, but of course also important for the general population. These, along with many other vitamins and minerals, are already a great reason to start adding lentils to your meal rotations.

The fiber content in lentils helps your digestive system to process your meals and pass them comfortably and helps foster the growth of healthy gut flora.

Are Lentils Gluten-Free?

Lentils are a legume, not a grain like wheat. This means that they are naturally gluten-free. However, in some products, there may be a possibility of cross-contamination. If you are severely sensitive to gluten or wheat, I would recommend purchasing lentils marked gluten-free and processed in a gluten-free facility.

Do Lentils Cause Gas?

Lentils do have the potential to cause possibly embarrassing gassiness. This is because of its high fiber content, which can be helpful for your digestive system, but does, unfortunately, increase the possibility of bloating and gas, especially in those with IBS. If you are particularly prone to these digestive issues, try soaking your lentils and other legumes overnight.

Can Dogs Eat Lentils?

Lentils are an amazing source of protein, fiber, and iron, for dogs as well as us. In fact, lentils are added to most grain-free kibble or wet food as an economical nutrition boost.

Some owners choose to add lentils (cooked plainly with no salt) to their dog’s diet.

Also, just like how lentils can assist us in feeling full and therefore not overeating, it also can do the same for dogs. This makes it a great addition to the diets of overweight or diabetic dogs.

Always check in with your veterinarian to make sure your dog is getting proper nutrition, since they have quite different needs than we do. Lentils are not meant to be their primary source of nutrition, just an enhancement.

Vegan Lentil Recipes

With lentils being such a nutritious legume, with ease of application to many types of dishes, I have added lentils to a wide variety of recipes.

I always keep a bulk stockpile of different types of lentils in my pantry. It is an ingredient I eat so often. Many vegans everywhere are sure to relate!

Lentils are probably most notably found in soups and stews, and I do have quite a handful of lentil soup recipes, but they can also be used as a meat substitute in vegan entrees and side dishes.

I hope you and your family and friends enjoy the many ways you can enhance your diet and elevate your dishes with these vegan lentil recipes!

Lentil Meatballs

These flavorful Lentil Meatballs (Vegan, Gluten-Free) are smothered in creamy cashew gravy and will surely be a big hit at your dinner table, especially during the holidays!

Vegan Lentil Loaf

This Vegan Lentil Loaf is simply amazing! This is the perfect main dish for your holiday menu, it is hearty, flavorful and topped with a delicious homemade ketchup glaze!

Vegan Lentil Stew

Nothing is better on a cold winter evening than a hearty comforting meal, and this Vegan Lentil Stew fits the bill perfectly. Serve with some gluten-free bread to make this the absolute perfect filling meal.

Lentil Pumpkin Soup

This pumpkin lentil soup packed with nutrient-dense ingredients is naturally gluten-free, oil-free, vegan, and ready within 30 minutes! It is perfect for a chilly autumn day lunch or dinner!

Masoor Dal

This easy and flavorful Masoor Dal recipe is the perfect comfort dish that is hearty and warming. It is made with red lentils that are cooked in a well-seasoned broth until soft and thick.

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

I love this seriously flavorful Vegan Shepherd’s Pie, made with seasoned lentils, cooked with carrot and peas in a delicious sauce, and topped with creamy and fluffy garlic mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or a weeknight dinner!

Lentil Nuggets

This simple recipe for lentil nuggets is perfect for the finicky eater in your family. These delectable bites are loaded with protein-rich lentils and vegetables including carrots and zucchini or bottle gourd.

Instant Pot Red Lentil and Pasta Soup

This Instant Pot Vegan Red Lentil Soup is so easy to prepare. It is hearty, comforting and so easy to prepare! Made with red lentils, carrots, onion, garlic, celery, herbs, and gluten-free pasta.

Jamaican Lentil Patties

These flavorful Jamaican Lentil Patties is a gluten-free and vegan version of the very popular Jamaican beef patty. Savory lentils cooked with aromatic herbs and spices in a buttery pastry.

Vegan Bolognese

This comforting and hearty Vegan Bolognese is so delicious. It’s one of those recipes that will be your go-to recipes, seriously! Serve this vegan bolognese recipe with your favorite pasta or zucchini pasta and your family and friends will be amazed how flavorful it tastes!

Instant Pot Lentil Curry

Lentil curry is a delicious vegan curry made with lentils. The curry is jam-packed with the health benefits of lentils and the flavors of curry powder, thyme, and scotch bonnet, along with the creaminess and richness of coconut milk.

Coconut Lentil Curry

Creamy Jamaican coconut lentil curry, made with green lentils cooked in an aromatic coconut curry sauce, seasoned with onion, garlic, thyme, green onions, ginger, and Scotch bonnet pepper, and loaded with potato, carrot, and dumplings. The perfect one-pot dish that’s delicious served with salad.