29 Lentil Recipes You'll Swear By

What exactly are lentils? If you've wondered, you're not alone. Lentils are legumes; one of the best plant-based proteins out there, lentils are packed with nutrients and can be used in many mouthwatering recipes that vegans, vegetarians and even meat eaters will love. Not all lentils cook the same way, though, which is why it's important to learn about the different types of lentils and how best to use them. Brown lentils are perfect for making hearty burgers and flavorful soups, and green or red lentils are great in this curry-spiced stew. The lentils in this beautiful salad get a double-dose of flavor; they're infused with fresh garlic during the cooking process and they're tossed with fresh herbs and smoky cumin.

In the Mediterranean, meals rely heavily on plant-based recipes favoring legumes, whole grains and loads of fresh vegetables and fruits. This recipe fully embraces that philosophy, borrowing a few of the classic cooking techniques and ingredient combinations from the region--firm black lentils from France and olive oil-fried eggs from Spain. This recipe is super simple, yet hearty enough to satisfy even the most hard-core meat eaters in your family.

Steaming canned lentils (or any canned bean) for a few minutes softens them and freshens the flavor. While warm, they more readily absorb the oil and vinegar marinade in this recipe and become a full-flavored counterpart to roasted squash and creamy goat cheese.

Lentils are the perfect addition to this pasta-and-veggie soup. They make it even more hearty and satisfying.