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12 Lentil Recipes To Convince You That Boring Soup Isn't The Only Way To Go

Though they may be a humble legume, lentils are one of the most versatile (and delicious) pantry staples that we've come to love. We most often see them in healthy dishes like lentil soup, but these lentil recipes prove there is so much more to this protein-filled food. Try something new like vegetarian tacos and aromatic curry.

With a fresh perspective, lentils can be transformed from a boring side dish to a majorly inspired main course. No matter what your taste, we guarantee you'll find something here you like.

Image: Steamy Kitchen

by Rebecca Deczynski

Lentil & Tempeh Lettuce Wraps

Get your wrap on — no tortilla necessary. A Beautiful Mess uses lettuce leaves for a healthy fix.

Image: A Beautiful Mess

Tomato and Lentil Curry

Curry makes for a quick weeknight meal. Cookie and Kate serves up a hearty dish that will keep you going.

Image: Cookie and Kate

Spicy Black Bean and Lentil Chili

On a cold winter night, there’s nothing quite as nice as a hot bowl of chili. Half Baked Harvest makes a spicy dish with jalapeños.

Image: Half Baked Harvest

Indian Dal Nirvana

Lentils are a staple in Indian cuisine. Steamy Kitchen uses a mix of lentils to make a traditional dal.

Image: Steamy Kitchn

Lentil, Mushroom, & Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd’s pie is an easy make-ahead meal, and with lentils, mushrooms, and a topping of sweet potatoes, The Kitchn makes it better than ever.

Image: The Kitchn

Indian Lentil Soup

Who said lentil soup had to be boring? Green Kitchen Stories kicks things up a notch with fresh ginger, curry powder, and turmeric.

Image: Green Kitchen Stories

Zucchini with Lentil and Roasted Garlic

A touch of garlic and cumin gives Steamy Kitchen’s recipe the perfect amount of savory goodness.

Image: Steamy Kitchen

Cold Lentil Salad with Cucumbers & Olives

You’ve just discovered your new office lunch. Pack The Kitchn’s Mediterranean-inspired lentil salad in a jar and get going.

Image: The Kitchn

Crock Pot Lentil & Squash Curry

Pull out the Crock Pot to make a super cozy meal ahead of time. The Crepes of Wrath uses red lentils and acorn squash for a perfect dish.

Image: The Crepes of Wrath

Lentil & Mushroom Stroganoff

Get rid of the beef for the night and try something new. Branny Boils Over uses lentils and a mixture of mushrooms and parsley to make a comforting dish.

Image: Branny Boils Over

Lentil Tacos

There’s nothing quite like taco night, and you can easily get your fix with no beef necessary, thanks to Branny Boils Over.

Image: Branny Boils Over

Green Lentil Soup with Curried Brown Butter

A touch of browned butter makes Mel’s Kitchen Cafe’s lentil soup stand out from the crowd of deliciously comforting soups.

Image: Mel’s Kitchen Cafe

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