Yes, you read that right. Today we are going to talk about red lentils.
We are going to talk about:
- Why You Should Incorporate Red Lentils In Your Cooking
- What Recipes Can You Use Them In
I don’t know about you, but I did not grow up eating a lot of lentils. Perhaps they graced a stew or soup every once in a while, but I probably didn’t notice or didn’t know what they were if they did.
But now that I am wife, mom, and homemaker, red lentils are a staple in my cooking and can always be found in my pantry. I like them for so many reasons.
Let me tell you why.
Here are 4 reasons I love red lentils.
Why I Love Red Lentils.
1. They’re a good protein source.
Lentils are full of protein.
Protein is so important for fullness, hormone health, and muscle building. Incorporating it into our meals and snacks is helpful.
And lentils are a great source that I think is highly underrated.
When cooked, lentils have 22.5 grams of protein per 100 grams.
For reference, ground beef has between 22-26 grams. Chicken breasts have around 31-32 grams, and hard-boiled eggs have approximately 12.58 grams.
If all these stats are confusing, here’s a table to make it clearer!
| Food | Protein (Per 100 grams) |
| Lentils | 22.5 grams |
| Ground Beef | 22-26 grams |
| Chicken Breast | 31-32 grams |
| Hard-Boiled Eggs | 12.58 grams |
2. They’re inexpensive.
Lentils are a budget-friendly food.
Compared to most meat and dairy products, lentils are really inexpensive, especially if you buy them dry.
A 900 gram bag of dry red lentils at Wamart costs $2.97.
Compare this to a tube of ground beef (a cheap option for meat already). A 454 gram (1 lb) of ground beef costs $5.97. That’s almost double the cost for half the product!
Even a carton of a dozen eggs is going to be over $4.
3. They’re full of fiber and vitamins.
Lentils are full of fiber and other important vitamins.
There is 8-11 grams of fiber in 100 grams of red lentils.
This is comparable to other fiber-rich food about which we may be more familiar. Things like kidney beans have around 6.4 grams. Bran flakes have 15-17 grams. And oats have between 9-11 grams.
Here’s another table for clarity!
| Food | Fiber (Per 100 grams) |
| Lentils | 8-11 grams |
| Kidney Beans | 6.4 grams |
| Bran Flakes | 15-17 grams |
| Oats | 9-11 grams |
Lentils also contain B vitamins, iron, zinc, and magnesium, making them a superfood for sure!
4. They’re easy to prepare.
Lentils are relatively easy to prepare. They can be boiled in some water, thrown into chili and spaghetti sauce, added to soups and stews, and featured in fragrant curry.
They’re unassuming and low-maintenance, an easy addition to many recipes.
Have I sold you yet on this superfood?
But you might be asking, How do I cook with red lentils?
I’m glad you asked.
Here are five meals to get you started.
5 Lentil Meals
1. Beef Lentil Chili
Adding red lentils to chili is one of the easiest ways to incorporate this superfood into your diet. The lentils take on the delicious Mexican flavors and add thickness and creaminess.
Here is a recipe to get you started!
Beef & Lentil Chili – Kitchen Confide
2. Spaghetti with Lentils
Similar to chili, spaghetti sauce is a fantastic food to which to add red lentils.
Combine them with ground beef, tomato sauce, garlic, onions, salt, olive oil, and some fragrant herbs like basil and oregano, and you’ve got yourself a nourishing and flavorful sauce to sit atop a bed of noodles.
Delicious and wholesome!
Beef Lentil Spaghetti – Thankful Little Mama
3. Tacos/Taco Salad/Burritos
When it comes to taco meals, red lentils act almost like a refried bean. Not only are they full of protein and minerals, they almost become like another sauce for your dish.
Beef and Lentil Tacos Recipe | Katie Lee Biegel | Food Network
4. Red Lentil Curry
Are you craving some Indian spice? Use red lentils in curry!
Fragrant, delicious flavors coupled with such a nutrient-dense food is a win-win in my books!
Here is a recipe to try!
Red Lentil Curry – Rainbow Plant Life
5. Lentil Soup
Red lentils can also be added to soups! There are many types to choose from!
Here are some recipes to get you started!
Cozy Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup
Red Lentil Soup Recipe with Vegetables
6. Red Lentil Hummus
We all love hummus, but have you tried red lentil hummus? Grab some tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies and dig in! Healthy and tasty!
Creamy Red Lentil Hummus – Healthy & Easy Dip
7. Red Lentil Patties
These red lentil patties are an easy on-the-go meal that you can take with you in the car or to the soccer game! Full of protein and delicious sweet potato, these look scrumptious!
Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties
So as you can see, red lentils are so healthy, cost-effective, and easy to incorporate in your meals. They are an underrated superfood that I think deserves some time in the spotlight.
Do you agree?
Let me know in the comments!
FAQ about Lentils
1. Do you need to soak your lentils before you cook them?
According to ChefsResource.com, “a short 15-30 minute soak can significantly improve their digestibility and reduce cooking time.”1 I am a bit of a rebel and don’t do this. But you may find they agree better with your stomach if you do the proper preparation!
2. How often should we eat lentils?
You can eat lentils as often as you like and as often as it feels good to you! They are convenient and so nutritious!
3. How do I get my husband on board with eating lentils?
If you’re husband is a money-saver, he will probably really appreciate the cost savings. However, most men also enjoy their meat, so I would recommend always serving lentils WITH meat. Use them to stretch the beef or chicken, etc. instead of entirely replace it.
- Jackson, M. T. (2024, November 26). How long to soak lentils before cooking?. Chef’s Resource. https://www.chefsresource.com/how-long-to-soak-lentils-before-cooking/
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