Hurry The Food Up Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes For Busy People
There was a time when vegan lentil recipes were soups, salads and more soups. In fact you couldn’t even cook a lentil without someone snapping it up for a soup of some sort.
Happily, times have changed! There’s now a plethora of high quality, highly creative lentil recipes out there – and sooooo many of them are vegan. For your perusal, we’ve collected them all together in one easy place.
Varied and vegan lentil recipes
Throughout this compilation you’ll find patties and burgers, stews and sloppy joes. Curries, risottos, wraps and one-pots. Pancakes, pâtés and pizzas. A dizzying array of lentil inspiration. And perhaps one soup for good measure 😉
Health benefits of lentils
Lentils are popular, and for good reason. If you’re reading this then you probably already know just how great they are – if you don’t, here’s a quick reminder.
Fiber and iron are two of the big standouts – and lentils are packed with them. Fiber is essential, and most Americans get nowhere near enough.
Iron is also incredibly important and without it we suffer.
There are two types of iron – heme and non-heme. Heme iron is much easier for the body to absorb – unfortunately it is only found in animals – meat, fish and poultry.
Non-heme is found in plants, grains, nuts and seeds. It’s still great, we just need mooooorrrrreeee of it! And that’s where lentils come in.
So without further ado, here come the recipes.
Bonus: mega quick, healthy, versatile and delicious meal
These awesome high-protein vegetarian lentil patties can be used as lentil burgers or fritters. A flax egg binds them together.
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: MyPurePlants
Bonus: super quick, easy, delicious and rich in protein breakfast
Hiding red lentils in this protein pancake recipe will give you highly nutritious, light and fluffy vegan protein pancakes. Not to mention gluten-free.
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: SlumberAndScones
Bonus: tasty, healthy, versatile dish
A meatless alternative to breakfast sausage, perfect for breakfast sandwiches. This vegan sausage uses green lentils and pecans, as well as all the favorite breakfast sausage spices.
Bonus: quick, healthy, spicy and super tasty! 😉
These veggie lentil tacos are our new go-to meal. SO TASTY and stacked with lentil protein and fiber, it’s time to take dinner up to the next level.
Ready in: 25 minutes (5 minutes prep)
Recipe by: VeganOnBoard
Bonus: quick, tasty and full of flavour
A rich, flavoursome bowl of red lentils, tomatoes and a top combo of spices that you will hopelessly fall in love with.
Ready in: 30 minutes (5 minutes prep)
Recipe by: VeganOnBoard
Bonus: healthy, delicious and quick
Can’t decide whether to make risotto or dal for dinner? Have the best of both dishes with this flavoursome and protein rich one-pot butternut squash and lentil risotto.
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: TrialAndEater
Bonus: fast, easy, healthy and tasty recipe 😉
Lentil lettuce wraps with lemon garlic hummus. Healthy, easy, customizable and full of flavor!
Bonus: easy, healthy and nutritious soup
Follow our foolproof simple cooking steps for the perfect coconut curry lentil soup. Packed with protein, fiber and a high-summer taste!
Bonus: tasty, nutritious and full of health benefits, can be stored for a while in the fridge
The sexiest lentil stew you have ever eaten. A nutritional powerhouse, this recipe is here to kickstart your year – and your health.
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: veEatCookBake
Bonus: very easy, quick, tasty and so satisfying
Lentil Soup – a hearty vegan recipe which is perfect for cold winterdays or cool, rainy summer days. Warm up with this flavorful, smoky and quick Lenitl Soup. Make it for Dinner, Lunch or make a bigger batch for meal prepping and freezing.
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: YumVeganLunchIdeas
Bonus: quick, simple, healthy and delicious
This rich and earthy mushroom vegan pate is delicous, savoury and deep in flavour. It is the perfect starter or accompaniment to a sharing platter.
Bonus: quick, delicious, super nutritious, healthy recipe
Fitness Lentil Bean Salad. Ridiculously high in protein post-workout salad. 40g per bowl. Ready in 7 minutes. Tasty and effective.
Bonus: quick, easy, tasty and so healthy!
Turkish Lentil Salad with a honey mustard dressing. Easy and quick, ready in 7 minutes. Full of fiber, protein and vitamin K.
Ready in: 30 minutes (5 minutes prep)
Recipe by: FreshOffTheGrid
Bonus: super tasty, quick, healthy and perfect party dish!
A plant-based approach to a classic camping recipe, these easy one-pot red lentil Sloppy Joes are a nutritious, protein-packed addition to your camp menu.
Ready in: 40 minutes (just 5 minutes to prep)
Recipe by: StaceyHomeMaker
Bonus: quick preparation, easy, delicious and full of health benefits, can be stored for a while in the fridge
This creamy vegan lentil chickpea soup is loaded with tender artichokes, protein and fiber-rich legumes, spinach, and the most flavorful golden broth. This easy to make soup is made in one pot and it’s ready in 40 minutes! Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: ThisHealthyKitchen
Bonus: quick easy, healthy and so delicious pizza recipe 🙂
For a protein packed pizza alternative give this lentil pizza crust a try. It delivers big flavour, delicious crunch, and is free from gluten.
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: LittleSunnyKitchen
Bonus: fast, fresh, healthy and so delicious
Vegan lentil wraps made with a fresh salad, and dill yogurt sauce. They are healthy, filling, dairy free, nut free with a gluten-free option available. They are perfect for lunch boxes, picnics, or to be served as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
Ready in: 55 minutes (just 15 minutes to prep)
Recipe by: YumVeganLunchIdeas
Bonus: delicious, spicy and nutritious meal
These vegan sausage rolls are deliciously flaky with a rich, savoury filling on the inside. The vegan sausage meat is less faux meat and more a delicious combination of whole foods, including puy lentils, mushrooms, fresh herbs and miso paste. They are the perfect brunch, snack or sharing food at a gathering. Enjoy with vegan mustard and ketchup.
Bonus: tasty, spicy and healthy meal, can be stored for a while in the fridge
Who said meat-free recipes can’t deliver? This meatless (aka vegan) chili proves that you can still enjoy your favourite meals, but in a new, animal-friendly way.
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: DownShiftology
Bonus: delicious, nutritious and full of health benefits salad
Sweet potato noodles salad is a combination of spiralized sweet potato noodles, cabbage, lentils, sautéed onions and Swiss chard. It’s topped off with fresh herbs, toasted pine nuts and a zesty Dijon vinaigrette.
Ready in: 45 minutes (just 10 minutes prep)
Recipe by: VeggieInspired
Bonus: healthy, nutritious, spicy and so tasty
Pumpkin Lentil Chili – the perfect balance of sweet and spicy in this hearty vegetarian chili.
Ready in: 45 minutes (just 20 minutes prep)
Recipe by: VeggieInspired
Bonus: easy, healthy and nutritious
Red Lentil Quinoa Fritters – spiced with turmeric, cumin and a touch of cinnamon, these crispy fritters are oil free and baked, not fried. An easy, high protein, meatless dinner that will delight your senses.
Ready in: 4 hours 50 minutes (just 50 minutes prep and cook + 4 hours resting)
Recipe by: MakeItDairyFree
Bonus: healthy, delicious and spicy 😉
This delicious homemade vegan hot dogs recipe will blow your mind! No seitan makes them gluten free and a hit for all! Try them with your favorite BBQ toppings!
Bonus: quick, tasty, nutritious and healthy, can be stored for a while in the fridge
Red Lentil Soup. Delicious – six ingredients, 30g of protein per bowl. Tasty and high in fiber too.
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: CarolinesCooking
Bonus: quick, amazingly delicious and healthy salad
This easy warm or cold salad is a tasty combination of lentils, roast veggies, roast grapes and an easy dressing. Great as a side or main in itself.
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: GoHealthyEverAfter
Bonus: quick, simple, creamy and tasty
A quick and easy lentil curry that needs no curry powder or coconut, yet full of flavor with a creamy texture from simple ingredients.
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: LittleSunnyKitchen
Bonus: quick, easy, healthy and so delicious
This vegan shepherd’s pie is packed with plant-based protein and incredible flavours! It’s so easy to make, and ready in under an hour.
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: LittleSunnyKitchen
Bonus: easy, healthy, delicious and full of flavor
Mujadara is a Middle Eastern lentil rice dish served with flavorful caramelized onions that were fried in olive oil. This simple dish is naturally vegan, made with just pantry ingredients so it’s incredibly frugal, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: EasyCookingWithMolly
Bonus: incredibly easy, tasty and satisfying
Vegetable Kabab (Vegan & Glutenfree – Fried, Baked Version, Air Fryer) delicious, easy and extremely popular Indian snack, is made using mixed vegetables, lentil, and a few spices. They are excellent to serve with drinks or any of your party. The mixture can be frozen for up to 2 weeks.
Bonus: quick, healthy, tasty and satisfying soup
Easy Curried Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup. A delicious blend of coconut sweetness and curried squash make this an absolute fall treat.
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: LifeCurrentsBlog
Bonus: super fast, easy, healthy and so delicious
These Easy Lentil Tacos with Smashed Avocado are so good. The filling comes together in about 5 minutes, and is loaded with flavor. They’re super healthy, loaded with good for you protein, fiber, and veggies! These vegan, gluten free tacos will be a family favorite for taco Tuesday, or any day!
Ready in: 40 minutes (only 10 minutes prep)
Recipe by: ProfusionCurry
Bonus: simple, quick and delicious recipe
Rich and flavorful Lentil Bolognese sauce served with spaghetti. This classic Italian recipe is ideal for comforting weeknight dinner. Vegan and gluten free.
Bonus: delicious, quick, easy, healthy and so good
High protein, iron and fibre in exotic Arugula and Lentil Salad that’s healthy and vegan. Only 12 minutes to make with easy to find ingredients.
Ingredients
- ¾ cups cashews (¾ cups = 100 g)
- 1 onion
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 chilli / jalapeño
- 5-6 sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 3 slices bread (whole wheat)
- 1 cup brown lentils, cooked (1 cup = 1 / 15oz / 400 g)
- 1 handful arugula/rocket (1 handful = 100 g)
- 1-2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roast the cashews on a low heat for about three minutes in a pan to maximize aroma. Then throw them into the salad bowl.
- Dice up and fry the onion in one third of the olive oil for about 3 minutes on a low heat.
- Meanwhile chop the chilli/jalapeño and dried tomatoes. Add them to the pan and fry for another 1-2 minutes.
- Cut the bread into big croutons.
- Move the onion mix into a big bowl. Now add the rest of the oil to the pan and fry the chopped up bread until crunchy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Wash the arugula and add it to the bowl.
- Put the lentils in too, and mix them all around. Season with salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar. Serve with the croutons.
- Super tasty!
Nutrition
We hope you’ve enjoyed this collection of our favourite vegan lentil recipes, meals and dishes. As always, we welcome any feedback – just leave a comment below. See you around!
Are you looking for more recipe collections?
If so we have:
50 Vegetarian Quarantine Recipes over here
22 High-Protein Vegan Breakfasts right this way
and 21 Incredible Vegetarian Curry Recipes waiting for you here.
Enjoy!
