10 Creative Ways to Use Canned Lentils

Lentil Tacos with Avocado Crema

These flavorful lentil tacos topped with creamy avocado crema offer a delightful twist on traditional tacos.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add lentils, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.
2. In a blender, combine avocado, sour cream, and lime juice; blend until smooth.
3. Warm tortillas in a separate pan, then fill with lentil mixture.
4. Drizzle with avocado crema, garnish with cilantro, and serve.

Lentil-Stuffed Bell Peppers

These nutritious bell peppers stuffed with seasoned lentils make for an eye-catching and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed
• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion until translucent, then add lentils, quinoa, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff bell pepper halves with the lentil mixture and place on a baking sheet.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top if using, and bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.

Lentil and Spinach Soup

This hearty lentil and spinach soup is perfect for warming up on chilly days.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté onion, carrot, and garlic until soft.
2. Add lentils, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, then stir in spinach and cook until wilted.

Lentil Veggie Burgers

Transform canned lentils into delicious veggie burgers that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated carrot
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Cooking method:

1. Mash lentils in a large bowl and mix with breadcrumbs, carrot, onion, egg, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Form mixture into patties.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan, cook patties on medium heat for 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Lentil Curry

This easy lentil curry is packed with spices and is a great way to enjoy a meat-free meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until aromatic.
2. Stir in curry powder, tomatoes, lentils, coconut milk, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 15 minutes over low heat.

Lentil Salad with Lemon Dressing

This bright and refreshing lentil salad is perfect for a light lunch or side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, combine lentils, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss salad with dressing and serve.

Lentil Spaghetti Sauce

This rich and hearty lentil spaghetti sauce is a delicious alternative to traditional meat sauces.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked spaghetti of choice

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, lentils, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Serve over cooked spaghetti.

Lentil Hummus

Give your hummus a boost with the addition of protein-packed lentils.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a food processor, combine lentils, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil if needed for desired consistency.

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

A vegetarian take on a classic dish, this lentil shepherd's pie is comforting and filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion until soft.
3. Add lentils, vegetables, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Transfer mixture to a baking dish, spread mashed potatoes on top, and bake for 20 minutes until golden.

Lentil Breakfast Burritos

Kickstart your day with these protein-rich lentil breakfast burritos.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed
• 4 large tortillas
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup salsa
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan, scramble eggs and season with salt and pepper.
2. Warm tortillas and layer with eggs, lentils, cheese, and salsa.
3. Roll up burritos and enjoy.