25+ Ways to Jazz up Lentils (Cheap & Kid Friendly too!)
Lentils are seriously a nutritional powerhouse but can be very misunderstood. So today we are going to show you how to add lentils to your meal plans.
Just looking at cost alone, lentils are so cheap! Like 10 cents or less per serving. They can easily be a meat replacement or help you stretch your meat even further.
So, let’s look at some simple ways to cook them, how to incorporate them into meals, and how to freeze them for later!
3 Ways to Cook Lentils
Cooking lentils is pretty straightforward depending on the dish you’re planning to make. Lentils don’t require soaking like some other legumes, which makes them a quick and convenient option for meals.
I am all about easy when it comes to cooking, so these are my 3 favorite ways to cook lentils:
1. Stovetop Simmering
- Rinse and Sort: Start by rinsing the lentils under cold water to remove any debris. It’s also a good idea to sort through them quickly to pick out any small stones or broken lentils.
- Boil and Simmer: Combine 1 part lentils with about 2 to 3 parts water or broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover partially to allow steam to escape.
- Cooking Time: Depending on the type of lentil, cooking times can vary:
- Brown or green lentils: 20-30 minutes
- Red or yellow lentils: 15-20 minutes
- Black lentils: 25-30 minutes
- Season: It’s best to add any salt or acidic ingredients after the lentils are tender, as adding them too early can make the lentils tough.
2. Pressure Cooking (Using a Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot)
- Rinse: Rinse the lentils well.
- Combine: Place the lentils in the pressure cooker with water or broth. The ratio is typically 1 part lentils to 2.5 parts liquid.
- Cook: Secure the lid and cook. Here are general guidelines for cooking times under high pressure:
- Brown or green lentils: 10-15 minutes
- Red or yellow lentils: 8-10 minutes
- Black lentils: 15-20 minutes
- Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes before doing a quick release.
3. Slow Cooking
- Rinse: Rinse the lentils in cold water.
- Combine: Place them in the slow cooker with about 4 cups of water or broth for every cup of lentils.
- Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the lentils are tender.
Just in case you are not sure how much you want to make here are some ratios of lentil to water, that you can adjust as needed.
| Cooking Method | General Ratio | Brown/Green Lentils | Red/Yellow Lentils | Black Lentils (Beluga) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling (Stovetop) | 1 cup lentils: 2-3 cups water | 1 cup lentils: 3 cups water | 1 cup lentils: 2 cups water | 1 cup lentils: 2.5 cups water |
| Pressure Cooking | 1 cup lentils: 2 cups water | Adjust based on preference | Adjust based on preference | Adjust based on preference |
| Slow Cooking | 1 cup lentils: 4 cups water | 1 cup lentils: 4 cups water | 1 cup lentils: 4 cups water | 1 cup lentils: 4 cups water |
What to Make with Lentils?
Now that we have them cooked, let’s work some lentils into some meals. Here are some easy ways to include lentils that is yummy and kid-friendly!
1. Lentil Veggie Nuggets
Blend cooked lentils with breadcrumbs, grated carrots, and peas. Shape into nuggets, coat in a light breadcrumb layer, and bake until crispy. Serve with a dipping sauce for a fun meal or snack.
2. Creamy Lentil Alfredo
Blend cooked lentils until smooth and mix with Alfredo sauce to add protein and fiber to this classic pasta dish. It’s a smooth and creamy way to enhance a favorite with extra nutrients.
3. Lentil Ratatouille
Stir cooked lentils into a traditional vegetable ratatouille. Serve this hearty and healthy mix over rice or with crusty bread for a filling meal.
4. BBQ Lentil Pizza
Spread BBQ sauce on your pizza crust, top with a mixture of cooked lentils and finely chopped chicken or pork, then sprinkle with cheese and your favorite veggies. Bake until golden for a twist on pizza night.
5. Lentil Quesadillas
Mix cooked lentils with mashed beans, cheese, and taco seasoning. Spread on tortillas, add more cheese, then another tortilla on top. Cook until crispy and serve with salsa and guacamole.
6. Lentil and Rice Casserole
Layer cooked lentils, rice, chopped vegetables, and cheese in a casserole dish. Bake until everything is heated through and the cheese is bubbly. A complete meal all in one dish.
7. Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Stir-fry your favorite vegetables and add cooked lentils along with some soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for flavor. Serve over rice or noodles for a quick and nutritious meal.
8. Lentil Chili
Cook lentils with tomatoes, beans, and chili seasoning. Add in some ground meat if desired for a more traditional chili or keep it vegetarian for a lighter option. Serve with cornbread or over baked potatoes.
9. Lentil Frittata
Whisk eggs and mix with cooked lentils, diced vegetables, and cheese. Pour into a skillet and cook until set. A great way to start the day or for a light dinner.
10. Greek Lentil Salad
Mix cooked lentils with diced cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives. Dress with olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing meal or side dish.
11. Lentil and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Stuff large pasta shells with a mixture of cooked lentils, ricotta cheese, and spinach. Place in a baking dish, cover with tomato sauce, and bake until bubbly.
12. Sausage, Lentil, and Kale Soup
Cook lentils in broth with slices of sausage (turkey or chicken for a lighter option), kale, and carrots for a hearty soup that’s full of flavor and nutrition.
13. Lentil Sloppy Joes
Use lentils as the base or mix with ground meat to create a heartier, nutritious version of this classic sandwich. Serve on whole grain buns with a side of sweet potato fries.
14. Lentil Spaghetti
Add cooked lentils to your traditional tomato sauce to extend the ground meat. It’s a great way to add fiber and protein while keeping the meal cost-effective.
15. Cheesy Lentil Bake
Combine cooked lentils with mixed vegetables, tomato sauce, and top with a layer of melted cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly. It’s like a lentil-based lasagna without the noodles.
16. Lentil and Veggie Tacos
Mix cooked lentils with taco seasoning and use as a filling for tacos. Add in some finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to boost the nutrition. Top with cheese, lettuce, and tomato for a complete meal.
17. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Use a mixture of lentils and ground meat as the base for this comforting dish. Top with creamy mashed potatoes and bake until crispy on top. It’s a nutritious twist on a traditional favorite.
18. Lentil Stuffed Peppers
Mix cooked lentils with rice, small pieces of ground meat, and tomato sauce, then stuff into bell peppers and bake. It’s a colorful, nutritious meal that’s fun to eat.
19. Lentil Soup with Mini Meatballs
Make a hearty lentil soup and add mini meatballs (made from ground meat mixed with breadcrumbs and herbs) for a kid-friendly twist. Serve with crusty bread for a comforting meal.
21. Mini Lentil Burgers
Create small patties from a mixture of lentils, ground meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Cook until crispy and serve on mini burger buns with lettuce, tomato, and cheese. Perfect for little hands!
22. Lentil and Sweet Corn Cakes
Mix cooked lentils with sweet corn, breadcrumbs, and spices. Form into small cakes and pan-fry until crispy. Serve with a side of salsa or yogurt-based dip.
23. Lentil-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
Incorporate cooked lentils into ground turkey to make meatballs, then bake or fry. Serve with spaghetti and marinara sauce for a twist on a classic dish.
24. Lentil Taco Salad
Combine cooked lentils with corn, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and shredded cheese. Serve with a side of tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream. It’s a deconstructed taco that’s both fun and easy to eat.
25. Creamy Lentil Potato Soup
Make a creamy potato soup and add cooked lentils for extra texture and protein. Serve with warm bread for dipping.
26. Cheesy Lentil Waffles
Add pureed lentils to your waffle batter along with shredded cheese for savory waffles. Serve with a side of scrambled eggs for a complete meal.
27. Lentil and Apple Stuffing
Mix cooked lentils with bread cubes, diced apples, onions, and herbs for a healthy twist on traditional stuffing. It can be a side dish or a main course with added diced turkey or chicken.
28. Lentil Hummus
Puree cooked lentils with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic to make a lentil-based hummus. Serve with vegetable sticks and pita bread for a healthy snack or appetizer.
29. Lentil Mac and Cheese
Add cooked lentils to your favorite mac and cheese recipe for added nutrition. It’s a sneaky way to get kids to eat more legumes without them even noticing.
How to Freeze Lentils for Later?
Since lentils do take a little time to cook, it is the perfect ingredient to pre-cook and then freeze for later!
1. Cool Them Quickly
- Spread the cooked lentils out on a large baking sheet or tray. This allows them to cool down quickly and prevents them from becoming overcooked or mushy.
- Once they reach room temperature, you can proceed to the next step. It’s important to cool them quickly to prevent bacterial growth.
2. Portion the Lentils
- Divide the lentils into meal-sized portions. Consider how you’ll likely use the lentils in future recipes (e.g., soups, salads, or as a side dish) and portion them accordingly.
- Using portion-sized containers or freezer bags can make it easier to thaw exactly what you need without wasting any.
3. Prepare for Freezing
- If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. A reusable silicone bag can also be a good, eco-friendly option.
- Label the bags or containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
4. Freeze Flat
- Lay freezer bags flat in the freezer. This saves space and allows the lentils to freeze and thaw more quickly.
5. Use Freezer-Safe Containers
- Ensure all containers or bags used are freezer-safe to prevent cracking or breaking at low temperatures.
Thawing and Reusing Frozen Lentils
- Thawing: The best way to thaw frozen lentils is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, you can thaw them in the microwave or by placing the sealed bag or container in a bowl of warm water.
- Reheating: Once thawed, lentils can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a little water or broth if they seem dry.
- Usage: Thawed lentils are perfect for adding to soups, stews, salads, or as a side dish. Since they’re already cooked, you only need to warm them up or add them directly to dishes that will be cooked further.
Lentils = Yummy & Cheap
Hopefully this guide to using lentils will help you in your meal planning. Not only are they nutritious, but they can be a great way to replace meat or supplement meat.
Lentils typically are very cheap and at Walmart you can buy a 1-pound bag for about $1.42. One pound of lentils can easily make 13 or more servings, so their cost is about 10 cents or less per person.
