There’s a misconception that eating vegetarian (or healthy in general) is really expensive. Wrong! You can *totally* find budget-friendly ingredients like lentils at any grocery store. The fiber-rich pulses, beans that are part of the legume family, are full of protein and make a great meat substitute in a host of filling dinner recipes. We’ve made the searching easy for you with these 15 cheap lentil recipes that’ll change the way you make dinner for your family.
You won’t find any cream of mushroom soup in this modern-day casserole. It’s full of protein-rich lentils, Pecorino-Romano cheese, cremini mushrooms, and brown rice to satisfy your tastebuds and keep you full. (via The Kitchn)
Really, is there anything zucchini can’t do? When it comes to being a vehicle for saucy lentils, the answer is no. (via Little Spice Jar)
Sloppy joes are comfort food at its finest. To make them meatless, use lentils in place of beef and no one will object. (via Minimalist Baker)
Who would have thought that a dish as elegant as this one could be so cheap? Serve up this vegan course at your next dinner party and the portions will be pennies on the dollar. (via Quite Good Food)
There’s something about the deep violet color of this dish that’s so inviting. The earthiness of the beets pair perfectly with the lentils and are lovely topped with pungent crumbled blue cheese to finish. (via Feasting at Home)
When the takeout menu doesn’t have what you want, you just have to make it yourself! This lentil curry is a worthy substitute, and you’ll likely have leftovers for work the next day. (via The Endless Meal)
These versatile meatballs will be a staple on your dinner menu from here on out. Whether you toss them with marinara, BBQ, or a sauce of your own creation, you’ll get a finger-licking result every time. (via Minimalist Baker)
This definitely isn’t your mother’s meatloaf. The fillers may be the same, but at the core are dozens of healthful lentils that keep this classic dish vegan and gluten-free. (via Pumpkin and Peanut Butter)
There’s nothing like a warm bowl of vegetable soup that nourishes you from the inside out. Tear off a chunk of crusty bread to sop up all of the juices and experience all of the hygge vibes. (via Cooking Classy)
If you love meatless chili but are tired of relying on beans to beef it up, this lentil version will get you back in the game. Top with shredded cheddar, croutons, and hot sauce for an added bite. (via Little Broken)
This filling Shepherd’s pie has a hearty lentil base with tons of fresh herbs and spices to keep the flavor popping. (via Le Petit Eats)
Maybe you’ve dabbled in a roasted veggie or plain cheese quesadilla for meatless Monday, but this lentil and pepper jack variation is a great way to switch it up. Use canned lentils to make the process super quick and easy. (via Pinch of Yum)
Go ahead and treat yourself to a margarita for only dirtying one pan for dinner — score! Serve this simple skillet with a dollop of guac and sour cream on top to finish the Mexican feast. (via Recipe Runner)
Holy moly, this faux spaghetti bolognese is brimming with vital nutrients that your body craves. You can feel so good about this one, dessert is definitely in order. (via Simply Quinoa)
Before you question the unusual lentil and cauliflower taco filling, here us out. The lentils soak up all of the spices you cook them in, and the cauliflower adds a wonderful crunchy texture. Drizzle them heavily with chipotle sauce and you’ll soon be obsessed. (via Cookie and Kate)
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Paige Johnson
Paige is a blogger, food writer and culinary master from Louisville, Ky. She's a newlywed who's obsessed with dogs and renovating her 117 year old home. When she's not working on her blog — My Modern Cookery — you can find her binge watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S with a triple shot latte in-hand.
FAQs
The best lentils to use as a beef substitute are brown and green, as they have a milder flavor than red lentils, which means they are more willing to soak up different flavors and adapt to being used as a substitute.
What is the best way to eat lentils? ›
Lentils are great in soups, as an addition to salads, and as a vegetarian protein source in recipes traditionally made with meat. Similar to rice, lentils take on whatever flavors you add to the pot. Instead of plain water, cook lentils in a broth or stock.
What food is similar to lentils? ›
The word 'pulse' is used to describe the seeds you can eat found in the pods, such as beans, peas, and lentils. Foods in this subgroup include beans (kidney beans, pinto beans, white beans, black beans, lima beans, fava beans, soy beans), dried peas (chickpeas, black-eyed peas, pigeon peas, split peas), and lentils.
What goes well with lentils? ›
If you have a few root vegetables hanging out in your fridge, those are also great with lentils, like in this warm lentil and root vegetable salad with parsnips and carrots. Lentils are particularly nice with cheese, as in this grilled halloumi and lentil salad.
What type of lentils taste the best? ›
Black Beluga lentils have the most flavor, adding a rich, earthy taste and a firm texture that holds up well during cooking. Black lentils will be ready in 20–25 minutes; however, they will fall apart like their brown, green, and red partners once you cook them for too long.
What kind of lentils are best? ›
While brown lentils are fairly 'all-purpose,' red/yellow lentils are best for soups and stews where their mushy texture works well. In comparison, green and brown lentils maintain their shape after cooking and are great for salads, casseroles, side dishes, etc.
Do lentils clean your gut? ›
Lentils are rich in a type of fiber that helps your digestive system work as it should and fuels good bacteria in your gut. Fiber may also help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. “Fiber plays an important role in regulating our bowels and protecting the immune system,” says Homan.
How many times a week should you eat lentils? ›
Studies suggest that eating beans and lentils at least four times per week helps lower blood pressure as well as the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and prostate cancer. Legumes are sold dried in packages and already cooked in cans.
Is it okay to eat lentils everyday? ›
However, it's worth bearing in mind – if you are planning on eating lentils every day – that the fibre they contain can be difficult to break down and can potentially cause gas and cramping if you eat too much of it.
Can I eat lentils instead of meat? ›
Since lentils are packed with protein they make a wonderful, meaty base for many plant-based dishes. Using a protein packed legume that is wholly derived from the Earth, is a healthier meat substitute choice than processed meat substitute products.
Urad dal or black lentil is one of the most nutritious pulses known to mankind. Low in fat and calories, Urad dal helps to improve digestion. With it being a rich source of protein and vitamin B3, it makes our bones stronger and is said to boost energy levels, enhance heart health and strengthen our nervous system.
How do you eat lentils for dinner? ›
Here are 15 creative ways to sneak more cooked beans and lentils into your meals with ease.
- Substitute for beef in these Lentil and Mushroom Sloppy Joes.
- Add a scoop to dinner salads or Buddha bowls.
- Stir into pasta sauce.
- Mix into tuna, egg or potato salads.
- Add to roasted vegetables hot out of the oven.
The best part is that black lentils are the most nutrient-dense type of lentil, including high quantities of calcium, potassium, iron, and protein. According to the USDA, a half cup of raw black lentils has 960 mg of potassium, 100 mg of calcium, 8 mg of iron, and 26g of protein.
How do you eat lentils as a meal? ›
Lentil recipes
- Lentil bolognese. A star rating of 4.2 out of 5. ...
- Lentil soup. A star rating of 4.6 out of 5. ...
- Beetroot & lentil tabbouleh. A star rating of 3.7 out of 5. ...
- Squash & lentil salad. A star rating of 4.2 out of 5. ...
- Khichdi. ...
- Sausage, roasted veg & puy lentil one-pot. ...
- Spinach, sweet potato & lentil dhal. ...
- Easy lentil curry.
Since lentils are packed with protein they make a wonderful, meaty base for many plant-based dishes. Using a protein packed legume that is wholly derived from the Earth, is a healthier meat substitute choice than processed meat substitute products.
Can I use lentils instead of meat? ›
Lentils are a healthy and budget-friendly alternative to meat. They are the perfect mince substitute in this tasty vegetarian cannelloni.
Can lentils replace meat for protein? ›
Cooked legumes such as beans, chickpeas, and lentils can be swapped for a lot of ground beef recipes. Buying canned or dried beans instead of meat can also save you money. In addition to protein, beans, and legumes are packed with health-beneficial fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
What legumes are good for meat substitute? ›
Black eyed peas, pinto beans, edamame, these are all legumes that are good sources of protein and can be a healthy substitute for meat. Having a meatless meal occasionally is good for your pocket book as they tend to be less expensive than some cuts of meat.
You won’t find any cream of mushroom soup in this modern-day casserole. It’s full of protein-rich lentils, Pecorino-Romano cheese, cremini mushrooms, and brown rice to satisfy your tastebuds and keep you full. (via The Kitchn)
Really, is there anything zucchini can’t do? When it comes to being a vehicle for saucy lentils, the answer is no. (via Little Spice Jar)
Sloppy joes are comfort food at its finest. To make them meatless, use lentils in place of beef and no one will object. (via Minimalist Baker)
Who would have thought that a dish as elegant as this one could be so cheap? Serve up this vegan course at your next dinner party and the portions will be pennies on the dollar. (via Quite Good Food)
There’s something about the deep violet color of this dish that’s so inviting. The earthiness of the beets pair perfectly with the lentils and are lovely topped with pungent crumbled blue cheese to finish. (via Feasting at Home)
When the takeout menu doesn’t have what you want, you just have to make it yourself! This lentil curry is a worthy substitute, and you’ll likely have leftovers for work the next day. (via The Endless Meal)
These versatile meatballs will be a staple on your dinner menu from here on out. Whether you toss them with marinara, BBQ, or a sauce of your own creation, you’ll get a finger-licking result every time. (via Minimalist Baker)
This definitely isn’t your mother’s meatloaf. The fillers may be the same, but at the core are dozens of healthful lentils that keep this classic dish vegan and gluten-free. (via Pumpkin and Peanut Butter)
There’s nothing like a warm bowl of vegetable soup that nourishes you from the inside out. Tear off a chunk of crusty bread to sop up all of the juices and experience all of the hygge vibes. (via Cooking Classy)
If you love meatless chili but are tired of relying on beans to beef it up, this lentil version will get you back in the game. Top with shredded cheddar, croutons, and hot sauce for an added bite. (via Little Broken)
This filling Shepherd’s pie has a hearty lentil base with tons of fresh herbs and spices to keep the flavor popping. (via Le Petit Eats)
Maybe you’ve dabbled in a roasted veggie or plain cheese quesadilla for meatless Monday, but this lentil and pepper jack variation is a great way to switch it up. Use canned lentils to make the process super quick and easy. (via Pinch of Yum)
Go ahead and treat yourself to a margarita for only dirtying one pan for dinner — score! Serve this simple skillet with a dollop of guac and sour cream on top to finish the Mexican feast. (via Recipe Runner)
Holy moly, this faux spaghetti bolognese is brimming with vital nutrients that your body craves. You can feel so good about this one, dessert is definitely in order. (via Simply Quinoa)
Before you question the unusual lentil and cauliflower taco filling, here us out. The lentils soak up all of the spices you cook them in, and the cauliflower adds a wonderful crunchy texture. Drizzle them heavily with chipotle sauce and you’ll soon be obsessed. (via Cookie and Kate)