137 black lentil recipes

Smoked sausage and lentil gumbo with a dark roux, celery, onion, carrots, and cayenne. A hearty, protein-packed Cajun-style soup where lentils stand in for okra with rich, smoky depth.

Easy lentil chili with brown lentils, tomatoes, cumin, paprika, and red pepper flakes finished with red wine vinegar. A hearty vegan one-pot meal packed with plant protein.

Lentil and spinach soup brightened with lemon juice, coriander, and a slick of olive oil. A vegan, gluten-free Middle Eastern-style soup served with pita. High in fiber, low in fuss.

A simple and tasty side dish made with lentils and chopped celery and zucchini.

Hearty lentil soup with mushrooms, carrots, celery, and small pasta shells simmered low and slow. A one-pot family recipe that's filling, budget-friendly, and naturally vegan.

Lentils with cotechino sausage, an Italian New Year's tradition. Slow-poached pork sausage served over lentils braised with sage, soffritto, and tomato.

Ham and lentil soup made from a meaty ham bone broth with sausage, tomatoes, carrots, and celery. A thick, hearty pot of soup built on deep, smoky pork flavor.

Moroccan dess b'l-besla: lentils simmered with caramelized onions, garlic, cumin and a pinch of cinnamon in a fragrant North African spice paste. Vegetarian, deeply spiced and ready in just over an hour.

One-pot brown rice and lentils with turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, and cloves. Vegan, high in protein and fiber, and cooked together in a single saucepan.

This savory and scrumptious pilaf is the perfect side dish for a summer barbecue.

Simple lentil soup pureed with a full bunch of fresh cilantro and topped with yogurt. Six ingredients, one pot, and 50 minutes for a high-fiber, protein-rich bowl.

Vegetarian lentil roast with ground nuts, corn flakes, applesauce, and sage, topped with tomato soup glaze. A hearty meatless loaf that slices like a traditional roast.

Good luck New Year's soup: a hearty mix of black-eyed peas, lentils, and beans simmered low with smoky ham, tomato, and garlic until thick. The legume-packed pot that's said to bring prosperity in the new year.

Italian-style stuffing with crispy pancetta, lentils, arborio rice, and fresh sage simmered in broth. Built for breast of veal but works beautifully in chicken, pork, or as a hearty side dish.

The fresh coriander and cooked vermicelli add an interesting touch to this version of lentil soup.

Suhour (the meal before sunrise) is usually good, stick-to-your-ribs food.