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Home » Vegetarian

The 25 Lentil Dishes So Hearty You Won’t Miss The Meat

Published: Apr 29, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Lentil dishes are a great way to get a hearty, filling meal without missing meat. Packed with protein and flavor, these dishes are perfect for anyone looking to try something new, whether you're cutting back on meat or just want to mix things up. You don’t need meat to enjoy a meal that’ll leave you full and satisfied, and these lentil-based recipes show just how it’s done.

A photo showing vegan stuffed peppers arranged on a white plate, set atop a brown cloth, with a fork and knife placed beside.

Vegan Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari

An overhead view of kitchari in a pot above a wooden board.
Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This kitchari is a simple, one-pot meal made with rice and lentils. It’s easy to prepare in 45 minutes and perfect for a light, cleansing meal.
Get the Recipe: Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari

Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup

An overhead image of instant pot mulligatawny soup being scoop out from the pot.
Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup brings hearty vegetables and lentils together in a coconut broth. Ready in under an hour, it’s a great comfort meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup

Dal Tadka

Two bowls of finished dal tadka next to each other.
Dal Tadka. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Dal tadka is a quick, simple lentil curry spiced with herbs and seasonings. It's a common household dish that's high in protein and works perfectly with rice or flatbread.
Get the Recipe: Dal Tadka

Vegan Stuffed Peppers

A photo showing vegan stuffed peppers arranged on a white plate, set atop a brown cloth, with a fork and knife placed beside.
Vegan Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted vegan stuffed peppers are a great meat-free option for anyone craving something hearty. With quinoa, lentils, and veggies, it’s a filling dish packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffed Peppers

Vegan Shepherd's Pie

Close up view of vegan shepherd's pie in a white baking dish.
Vegan Shepherd's Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie features lentils, mushrooms, and a creamy mashed potato topping. It’s a filling, comforting meal that’s ready in about an hour.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Shepherd's Pie

Misir Wot - Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew

A close-up of a plate featuring misir wot.
Misir Wot - Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Ethiopian split lentil stew is a flavorful dish made with warm spices. Ready in 45 minutes, it's an easy, hearty meal to pair with flatbread or rice.
Get the Recipe: Misir Wot - Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew

Authentic Mulligatawny Soup

An overhead image of mulligatawny soup being scooped out in a large pot.
Authentic Mulligatawny Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mulligatawny Soup is a coconut-based soup full of vegetables and lentils. Ready in under an hour, this dish is perfect for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Mulligatawny Soup

Vegan Bolognese

An image of bolognese in a bowl with basil on top.
Vegan Bolognese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan bolognese is made with lentils, mushrooms, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that cooks up in less than an hour.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Bolognese

Italian Lentil Soup – Zuppa Di Lenticchie

Italian Lentil Soup – Zuppa Di Lenticchie. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Italian lentil soup, or zuppa di lenticchie, is a vegetable-packed lentil soup. It’s perfect for cooler months and pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Get the Recipe: Italian Lentil Soup – Zuppa Di Lenticchie

Easy Vegan Yellow Lentil Dal

Easy Vegan Yellow Lentil Dal. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Creamy vegan lentil dal is healthy and easy to make. It’s budget-friendly and perfect for a comforting, meat-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Yellow Lentil Dal

Easy Vegan Lentil Meatloaf

Easy Vegan Lentil Meatloaf. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan Lentil Meatloaf is packed with lentils and spices, making it a hearty and satisfying meat-free main. It’s a great option for any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Lentil Meatloaf

Instant Pot Red Lentil and Potato Curry

Instant Pot Red Lentil and Potato Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This Instant Pot Red Lentil & Potato Curry is an easy, comforting meal made with warming spices. It’s ready in no time and pairs perfectly with your favorite grain or bread.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Red Lentil and Potato Curry

Red Lentil Dahl Curry

A close up image of a spoon serving up vibrant red lentil dal from a bowl, with fluffy white rice and lemon wedges in the background.
Red Lentil Dahl Curry. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

Red Lentil Dahl Curry is rich in flavor and simple to make. It’s a deliciously hearty meal that’s quick to prepare and easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Red Lentil Dahl Curry

Veggie Sliders

Veggie Sliders. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Veggie Sliders are made with lentils, black beans, and fresh vegetables. Ready in 40 minutes, they’re a perfect meatless option for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Sliders

Instant Pot Bean Soup

Instant Pot Bean Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Instant Pot Bean Soup combines 13 beans and lentils in a tomato base with Tuscan kale. It’s a nourishing soup that’s hearty and perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bean Soup

Vegan Ginger Lentil Soup

Vegan Ginger Lentil Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This hearty lentil soup is full of nutritious ingredients like carrots, spinach, and ginger. It’s a comforting, warming option for the cooler months.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ginger Lentil Soup

Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust

A plate of Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust.
Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Red lentil flatbread pizza crust is a high-protein, fiber-packed alternative to traditional crust. It’s a versatile option for meal prep, whether for pizza or lentil chips.
Get the Recipe: Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust

Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew is a one-pot meal that’s hearty and easy to prepare. It’s a great option that’s sure to be enjoyed by the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Gluten-Free Lentil Minestrone Soup

Gluten-Free Lentil Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Vegan Lentil Minestrone Soup is a high-protein soup full of healthy ingredients. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a quick and warming meal.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Lentil Minestrone Soup

Comforting Beet Lentil Soup

Comforting Beet Lentil Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Beet lentil soup combines lentils, beets, and greens in a nourishing vegan dish. It’s a hearty option, perfect for bringing warmth and comfort on a winter night.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Beet Lentil Soup

Almond Flour Pizza Crust with Butternut Squash and Lentils

Overhead image of almond flour pizza with butternut squash and lentils.
Almond Flour Pizza Crust with Butternut Squash and Lentils. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Almond flour pizza crust with butternut squash and lentils is a nutritious and tasty base. It’s a great choice for a healthier, protein-packed appetizer or meal.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Pizza Crust with Butternut Squash and Lentils

Mujadara

White casserole dish with middle eastern mujadara.
Mujadara. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Mujadara is a Middle Eastern dish with lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. It’s a satisfying, hearty meal that’s both simple and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara

Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This lentil soup is rich in flavor, combining brown lentils, fresh lemon juice, and vegetable broth. It’s a warming, nourishing bowl of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Greek Vegetarian Moussaka

Greek Vegetarian Moussaka. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Vegetarian moussaka layers roasted eggplant, zucchini, and lentil tomato sauce. This hearty, meat-free dish is perfect for a light meal, offering seasonal flavor and depth.
Get the Recipe: Greek Vegetarian Moussaka

Lentil Stuffed Eggplant

Lentil Stuffed Eggplant. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lentil stuffed eggplant is a satisfying meatless meal featuring brown lentils, tomatoes, and greens. Top with goat cheese for extra creaminess or keep it vegan.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Stuffed Eggplant

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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