Lentil recipes: ideas to bring lentils into your diet

Lentils have been a cornerstone of the diet in many cultures for centuries, especially in the Mediterranean tradition. In Spain, we tend to associate them with the classic stew made with chorizo, carrot and potato, yet this legume has far more to offer than the typical bowl of comfort food. Rich in plant-based protein, iron, fibre and B vitamins, lentils are a genuine nutritional gem.

Below, we suggest a selection of lentil recipes so you can discover new flavours without giving up on healthy eating.

Warm lentil salad with pumpkin and goat's cheese

This salad is perfect for autumn, though you can adapt it to any season. It brings together the sweetness of roasted pumpkin, the earthy flavour of the lentils and the creamy contrast of goat's cheese.

Ingredients:

• 200 g of cooked lentils
• 200 g of diced pumpkin
• 100 g of goat's cheese log
• Rocket or baby spinach
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Method:

1. Roast the pumpkin with oil, salt and pepper at 180 °C for 25 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix the lentils, the roasted pumpkin and the leafy greens.
3. Add the crumbled goat's cheese.
4. Dress with oil and balsamic vinegar to taste.

Coconut milk lentil curry

A spiced, creamy Indian-inspired twist that will make you forget all about the traditional stew.

Ingredients:

• 200 g of red lentils
• 1 onion
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 piece of fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon of curry powder
• 400 ml of coconut milk
• Olive oil
• Salt and fresh coriander

Method:

1. Sauté the finely chopped onion, garlic and ginger in a pan with oil.
2. Add the curry powder and stir for a few seconds.
3. Stir in the lentils and the coconut milk. Cook for 15-20 minutes until it thickens.
4. Season with salt and garnish with fresh coriander.

Lentil hummus

A delicious alternative to the traditional chickpea hummus. Ideal as a starter or for spreading on bread.

Ingredients:

• 250 g of cooked lentils
• 1 tablespoon of tahini
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt

Method:

1. Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until you reach a creamy texture.
2. Adjust the salt and add more oil if you want it smoother.
3. Serve with sweet paprika and a drizzle of oil on top.

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Mexican-style lentil tacos

A tasty, easy, vegan recipe. Perfect for a casual dinner with friends.

Ingredients:

• 200 g of cooked lentils
• 1 red onion
• 1 red pepper
• 1 tomato
• Mexican spices (cumin, paprika, oregano, chilli)
• Corn tortillas
• Avocado and lime to serve

Method:

1. Sauté the onion and the pepper in a pan.
2. Add the chopped tomato, the lentils and the spices.
3. Cook for 10 minutes and serve inside the warm tortillas.
4. Add sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime.

Lentil and carrot burgers

A healthy option to replace meat without giving up on flavour or texture.

Ingredients:

• 250 g of cooked lentils
• 1 grated carrot
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• Salt and pepper

Method:

1. Mash the lentils with a fork or in a blender, keeping some texture.
2. Mix with the carrot, the egg, the breadcrumbs and the spices.
3. Shape into burgers and cook on a griddle with a little oil.

Lentil and apple soup

A surprising sweet and savoury combination, perfect as a starter for an autumn meal.

Ingredients:

• 200 g of cooked lentils
• 1 Golden Delicious apple
• 1 onion
• Vegetable stock
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Method:

1. Sauté the chopped onion and apple.
2. Add the lentils and cover with stock. Cook for 10 minutes.
3. Blend until you obtain a smooth soup.
4. Adjust the salt and finish with a drizzle of oil.

Crunchy oven-baked lentils (snack)

Perfect for snacking between meals, as a salad topping or to replace croutons.

Ingredients:

• 200 g of cooked lentils
• Paprika, curry powder or spices to taste
• Olive oil
• Salt

Method:

1. Drain the lentils well and pat them dry with kitchen paper.
2. Toss them with spices, salt and a drizzle of oil.
3. Bake at 200 °C for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
4. Leave to cool: they will turn crunchy on the outside and full of flavour.

Pasta with lentil Bolognese

An Italian recipe with a veggie twist that has nothing to envy in the meat version.

Ingredients:

• 250 g of cooked lentils
• 1 onion
• 1 carrot
• 1 garlic clove
• Crushed tomato
• Basil and oregano
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Pasta (spaghetti or whatever you prefer)

Method:

1. Sauté the onion, the carrot and the garlic.
2. Add the lentils and the crushed tomato.
3. Cook for 15-20 minutes, add the herbs and adjust the salt.
4. Serve with your favourite pasta.

Your Spanish Shop: quality products for your recipes

At Your Spanish Shop we are committed to healthy, tasty, quality products. We offer lentils from the finest Spanish brands, ready to cook or already cooked in a jar, perfect for any of these recipes.

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