What food goes well with lentils?

Here are some good food combinations with lentils: Lentils and Rice: Lentils and rice make a classic and satisfying combination. ... Lentils and Vegetables: Lentils pair well with a wide range of vegetables. ... Lentils and Tomatoes: Tomatoes complement lentils beautifully and enhance their flavors. More items... Jul 12, 2023

How do you add lentils to your meals?

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 .

Is it OK to eat lentils everyday?

Most people can enjoy lentils as part of their regular diet without any concern . But lentils also contain natural compounds called anti-nutrients. These substances bind with nutrients like iron and zinc, making them harder for our bodies to absorb. Soaking and cooking lentils can help reduce this effect.

Are lentils good for your stomach?

Eating lentils can increase your stool weight and improve your overall gut function ( 5 ). Furthermore, lentils contain a broad range of beneficial plant compounds called phytochemicals, many of which protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes ( 1 ).

What makes lentils taste better?

If you don't have stock on hand, add onion, carrots, celery, garlic cloves and/or herbs to the pot. All of these are mild flavors that can jump in any direction depending on how you're going to use the cooked lentils.

What's the healthiest way to eat lentils?

Lentils are a nutritious food that's low-fat and high in protein and fiber. While they make a delicious addition to a soup, stew or salad, you should not eat them raw . No matter which type of lentils you buy, you can easily cook them by boiling your lentils in water on the stove.

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.

What protein pairs with lentils?

Grains Grains, such as rice, oats, wheat, rye and corn , can act as complementary proteins for legumes such as lentils. They contain the cysteine and methionine that lentils lack, and lentils provide the lysine that grains do not contain enough of.

Can you eat meat with lentils?

Burgers, meatballs, meatloaves and sausages can be made more sustainable, nutritious and cost-effective, but most importantly, delicious, when meat gets blended with pulses such as whole cooked lentils .

Is lentils and rice a good combination?

Lentils and rice are two very versatile and healthy ingredients that can be spiced and seasoned in a million different ways. For this recipe, I took inspiration from my Spanish vegan lentil stew and incorporated Mediterranean vegetables and a touch of Spanish smoked paprika.

What to eat with lentils for weight loss?

Indian Red Lentils with Rice & Hard-Boiled Eggs Red lentils combined with rice make for a hearty meal filled with fat-burning fiber, protein, sweet and spicy veggies, and warming spices.

Cook Your Meatless Monday Dinner on the Cheap With These 15 Lentil Recipes (2024)

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.

Cheesy Lentil, Mushroom, and Rice Bake

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)

Lentil Stuffed Zucchini Boats

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)

Vegan Sloppy Joes

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)

Baked Eggplant With Lentils, Tomatoes, and Herby Topping

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)

Beet Braised Lentils

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)

Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry

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)

Easy Lentil Meatballs

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)

Mushroom Lentil Loaf

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)

Italian Vegetable Lentil Soup

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)

Lentil Chili

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)

Lentil Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

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)

Easy Lentil Quesadillas

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)

One-Pot Cheesy Mexican Lentils, Black Beans, and Rice

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)

Quinoa and Lentil Bolognese With Spaghetti Squash

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)

Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Tacos With Creamy Chipotle Sauce

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.