These split red lentil recipes will help you make the most of that jar of red lentils in your pantry. Red lentils are a budget-friendly source of protein and fiber, and they are so versatile! Use them to make soup, stew, dal, brownies, granola, bolognese, tortillas and MORE!!
Split red lentils are so easy to cook with. Because they are split, they cook quickly on the stove or in the Instant Pot. They simmer on the stove in about 15 minutes, and they cook in the Instant Pot in five minutes!
There are also just so many ways to cook with red lentils! You can, of course, use them as the base for soups, stews, and curries. But because they break down when you cook them and have a neutral flavor, you can use them to thicken and add protein to sauces and spreads. They can even add moisture and sneaky fiber and protein to baked goods, like brownies!
Dried split red lentils are shelf stable, so they keep for ages in an airtight container in the pantry. If your lentils are older, they can take longer to cook and need a bit more water, but they’ll still work well in the split red lentil recipes below.
Split red lentils are brown lentils that have been skinned and split. They are often labeled as just red lentils. You can find them in many stores as well as online. Red lentils can also be found in whole form, i.e they have been skinned but not split. You can use the non split red or pink lentils as well, they just take a few mins longer to cook. 1 cup of cooked split red lentils has 18g protein and 16g fiber! And rich is iron , potassium and folate. Try some of these recipes and do let me know what’s your favorite way to use red lentils!
Red Lentil Dal and Soups
Red Lentil Spinach Soup
A cozy, creamy bowl of red lentil and spinach soup is a comforting and easy meal that has an amazing flavor! It’s a one-pot meal that’s ready in just over half an hour. Gluten-free nut-free soy-free
Golden Red Lentil Dal (Turmeric Spinach Dal)
This golden red lentil dal gets its vibrant color from turmeric! It’s an easy lentil soup with greens that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. (gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free)
Vegan Dalcha
This South Indian Lentil meat stew – Dalcha, has lentils or split peas cooked with spices, coconut milk and meat to make a hearty stew that is served with rice Biryani. We use soycurls to make a glorious vegan dalcha. Glutenfree Nutfree recipe. Soyfree option
Vegan Masoor Dal Tadka Indian Split Red Lentil Dal
Restaurant-Style Masoor Dal Tadka (Indian split Red lentil Dal tempered with whole spices) is easy and to make, super comforting, creamy, and oh so flavorful! Glutenfree Soyfree nutfree coconutfree
Dal Fry
This easy Indian dal fry stars spiced red and yellow lentils topped with savory tempering. (Spiced oil). It’s super simple and so satisfying!
Thecha Dal- Lentil Dal with Blistered Chilies and Garlic
Thecha dal, an Indian red lentil dal that you know and love with a spicy, nutty, umami-packed addition! Blistered chilies garlic are pounded with peanuts to make a chili chutney, and swirled to the lentil soup to make a flavorful dal!
1 Pot Lentil Tortilla Soup (Instant Pot or Saucepan)
Easy Tortilla Soup with Red lentils. 1 Pot 30 minutes! Add veggies of choice, garnish with tortilla chips or avocado. Vegan Gluten-free Soy-free Nut-free Recipe. To double, double everything except water. Start with a bit less than double water/liquid.