5 Quick Recipes Using Canned Lentils

Are you tired of the same old dinner options, or perhaps looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet with minimal effort? Canned lentils are an unsung hero in the kitchen, offering a quick and easy way to elevate your meals with their versatility and nutritional benefits. In this blog post, we'll explore five quick and delicious recipes that make the most of canned lentils, ensuring you can whip up something tasty even when time is short.

Why Canned Lentils?

Before diving into the recipes, let’s briefly discuss why canned lentils deserve a spot in your pantry:

• Convenience: Pre-cooked and ready to use, they reduce cooking time significantly.
• Nutritional Value: Lentils are a powerhouse of protein, fiber, iron, and other essential nutrients.
• Cost-Effective: They're generally cheaper than other canned beans or meat substitutes.
• Versatility: Suitable for soups, salads, stews, or even as a side dish.

1. Spicy Lentil Dip

Start your culinary adventure with this spicy lentil dip, perfect for movie nights or as a starter.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine lentils, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and paprika. Blend until smooth.
2. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.
3. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with parsley if using, and serve with pita bread, veggies, or crackers.

🔥 Note: Adjust the level of spices according to your heat tolerance.

2. Lentil and Spinach Soup

Warm up with this comforting lentil and spinach soup, loaded with flavors and nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 liter vegetable broth
• 200g spinach
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté onions and carrots until the onions are translucent.
2. Add garlic and cumin, cooking for another minute.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Add lentils, reduce heat, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.

🌿 Note: Adding spinach at the last minute ensures it retains its vibrant green color and texture.

3. Lentil Tacos

Switch up taco night with these easy, vegetarian lentil tacos.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• Soft taco shells
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, salsa, guacamole or avocado

Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat lentils with taco seasoning, stirring frequently until heated through.
2. Warm taco shells as per the package instructions.
3. Assemble tacos by adding lentils and your favorite toppings.

🍅 Note: Customize your tacos with different toppings to suit your taste.

4. Mediterranean Lentil Salad

A refreshing and healthy salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• ¹⁄₂ red onion, finely chopped
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Olives, sliced
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Olive oil and lemon juice for dressing

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine lentils, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and olives.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then gently toss to mix.
3. Sprinkle feta cheese over the salad just before serving.

🌱 Note: Let the flavors meld for a better taste by preparing the salad a couple of hours in advance.

5. Lentil Curry

End your meal journey with a hearty lentil curry that’s as easy to make as it is flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and curry powder, cooking for another minute.
2. Add coconut milk and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
3. Add lentils, simmer for 5-10 minutes until heated through. Serve with rice or naan, garnished with coriander.

🥥 Note: Adjust the thickness of the curry with water or more coconut milk as desired.

As we wrap up, it’s clear that canned lentils can do much more than just fill a bowl. They are the secret ingredient to quick, nutritious, and flavorful meals. Whether you’re blending a dip, stirring a pot of soup, assembling a taco, tossing a salad, or crafting a curry, these recipes illustrate the versatility and convenience of using canned lentils. By incorporating these into your routine, you’re not only making meal prep easier but also adding a boost of health to your diet.