18 Incredible Lentil Recipes

From the Recipe Creator: My family makes lentil soup every new year for good luck. My mom has been making it since I was little. Over time, we’ve tweaked it so that all our family and friends love it. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York

From the Recipe Creator: When my husband's cholesterol numbers rose, I quickly lowered the fat in our family's diet. Finding dishes that were healthy for him and yummy for our five children was a challenge, but this fun taco recipe was a huge hit with everyone. —Michelle Thomas, Bangor, Maine

From the Recipe Creator: This hearty and healthy stew will warm your family right down to their toes! Serve with cornbread or rolls to soak up every last morsel. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: I cook with lentils often because they're a nutritious, inexpensive source of protein. This low-fat soup is one of my favorite ways to use them. To make it even heartier, add ground beef, cooked sausage or leftover cubed chicken. —Rachel Keller, Roanoke, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: You can prepare this soup as the main course in a hearty lunch or dinner. On cold winter evenings here in New England, I've often enjoyed sipping a steaming mugful in front of our fireplacel. —Guy Turnbull, Arlington, Massachusetts

From the Recipe Creator: I fell in love with the spicy aromas in this sweet potato lentil stew. Add whatever ingredients you have on hand, like zucchini, spinach, kale and corn. —Heather Gray, Little Rock, Arkansas

From the Recipe Creator: My family has requested this meatless recipe over and over again. It is simple to prepare and even meat lovers like it. —Geri Lucas, Oldsmar, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: Warm up loved ones on frosty winter nights with a gift of this hearty, stick-to-the-ribs soup mix. Packed in pretty glass jars, it looks just as good as it tastes! Be sure to include preparation instructions and a list of additional ingredients needed with your gift card. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: I made this one summer evening by putting together what I had on hand. My husband gave it his top rating. —Mary Ann Hazen, Rochester Hills, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Lentil lovers will want a second bowl of this nourishing soup with a subtle touch of curry. It looks particularly appealing thanks to the color added by the fresh spinach. —Kim Russell, North Wales, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: With a truckload of acorn squash in my pantry, I wanted to make stuffed squash in lots of different ways. A bottle of Greek seasoning got my creativity flowing. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: I was really craving a hot delicious soup—something filling and healthy. I looked around my kitchen for a few ingredients, then created this recipe. Pumpkin adds creamy richness and body. —Amy Blom, Marietta, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: An Ethiopian recipe inspired this feel-good dinner that's tangy, creamy and packed with hearty comfort. —Rachael Cushing, Portland, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: I've been trying to eat more meatless meals, so I experimented with this hearty saute and served it over brown rice. It was so good that even those who aren't big fans of kale gobbled it up. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: My mother has diabetes, so I often prepare this dish for her. I wanted a hearty soup that hits the spot on cold autumn nights, so I paired the lentils with turkey bacon and a handful of spices. —Nicole Hopping, Pinole, California.

From the Recipe Creator: Give your friends the gift of good health. Red lentils are protein powerhouses and are loaded with folate, iron and fiber. Oh, and this soup tastes amazing too. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe came to me from a friend who had worked at a health food store. I changed a few things until I found a version that my family loved. My son doesn't like things too spicy, so I make the stew milder for him and add a sprinkle of extra spice in mine. My husband, who farms, works outdoors for long hours at a time and finds this soup hearty enough to keep him satisfied. —Melanie MacFarlane, Bedeque, Prince Edward Island

From the Recipe Creator: My version of beef stew is comfort food with a healthy twist. I use lentils and red quinoa rather than potatoes. If leftover stew seems too thick, add more beef stock when reheating. —Margaret Roscoe, Keystone Heights, Florida