10 Easy And Nutritious Meals You Can Make With Canned Lentils

Nov 19, 2024 · 11 min read

Discover 10 simple yet nutritious meal ideas featuring canned lentils. Perfect for busy cooks, these recipes are quick, healthy, and packed with flavor. From soups to salads, elevate your cooking with these hearty legumes.

Hadwin Maverick

Editorial and Creative Lead

💡 10 Easy and Nutritious Meals You Can Make with Canned Lentils

Lentils are a superfood, packed with nutrients and extremely versatile in the kitchen. Canned lentils make this even easier as they're pre-cooked, significantly reducing meal preparation time while retaining the nutritional benefits. From hearty soups to fresh salads, lentils can be the star ingredient or a perfect addition to elevate your dishes. Here are 10 easy, quick, and nutritious meals you can make using canned lentils.

🌟 1. Lentil Soup: A Warming Meal in Minutes

Ingredients: Canned lentils, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, spinach, cumin, thyme, and seasoning.
How to Make:
1. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil.
2. Add broth, lentils, cumin, and thyme; simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in spinach until wilted. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

🌿 2. Lentil Avocado Salad: Fresh and Filling

Ingredients: Canned lentils, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Preparation:
1. Drain and rinse lentils.
2. Combine lentils with diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and parsley.
3. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.

🔥 3. Lentil and Spinach Curry: Spicy and Satisfying

Ingredients: Canned lentils, fresh spinach, tomatoes, curry powder, coconut milk, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes.
Cooking Steps:
1. Heat oil in a pan, add ginger, garlic, and chili flakes; cook until fragrant.
2. Add chopped tomatoes, curry powder, and lentils. Cook for a few minutes.
3. Pour in coconut milk, bring to a simmer, and add spinach. Cook until spinach wilts.

<p class="pro-note">🌶️ Note: Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less chili flakes to suit your taste.</p>

🥗 4. Lentil and Quinoa Bowl: Protein-Packed Meal

Ingredients: Quinoa, canned lentils, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, lemon vinaigrette.
Steps:
1. Cook quinoa as per package instructions.
2. Assemble with lentils, chopped veggies, and feta cheese. Drizzle with vinaigrette.

🌾 5. Lentil Bolognese: A Healthier Twist on a Classic

Ingredients: Canned lentils, tomatoes, garlic, basil, oregano, and pasta.
Method:
1. Sauté garlic, then add crushed tomatoes, lentils, basil, and oregano.
2. Simmer for flavors to meld, then serve over cooked pasta.

🍲 6. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie: Comfort in Every Bite

Ingredients: Canned lentils, mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, tomato paste, onions, and vegetable stock.
Assembly:
1. Sauté onions, add carrots, peas, lentils, and tomato paste. Cook until vegetables are tender.
2. Top with mashed potatoes and bake until golden.

🌈 7. Lentil and Veggie Stir-Fry: Quick and Colorful

Ingredients: Canned lentils, bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Preparation:
1. Stir-fry garlic, then add vegetables and lentils.
2. Toss with soy sauce and sesame oil. Serve over rice or noodles.

🥄 8. Lentil Hummus: A Twist on the Classic Dip

Ingredients: Canned lentils, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, olive oil, and seasoning.
Steps:
1. Blend lentils, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and olive oil until smooth.
2. Serve with crudités or as a spread.

🌿 9. Lentil and Feta Wraps: A Portable Lunch Option

Ingredients: Canned lentils, feta, spinach, cucumber, tomatoes, mint, whole wheat tortillas, and tzatziki sauce.
Instructions:
1. Combine lentils, feta, chopped vegetables, and mint.
2. Spread tzatziki on the tortilla, add the lentil mixture, and roll up.

🥫 10. Lentil Tacos: Easy and Satisfying

Ingredients: Canned lentils, taco seasoning, salsa, shredded cheese, lettuce, and tortillas.
Method:
1. Heat lentils with taco seasoning, adding some salsa for moisture.
2. Fill tortillas with lentils, top with cheese, lettuce, and additional salsa.

Using canned lentils not only makes meal preparation simpler but also ensures you’re getting a quick source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. These recipes show how versatile lentils can be, fitting into any meal from breakfast through to dinner. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes, and let lentils become a staple in your kitchen for their ease, nutrition, and flavor.

FAQs About Canned Lentils

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are canned lentils as nutritious as dried lentils?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, canned lentils are nutritionally similar to dried lentils. However, they might contain added salt, so rinsing them before use can help reduce sodium intake.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How long do canned lentils last?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Canned lentils typically have a long shelf life, often lasting for 2-5 years if unopened. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and used within 3-4 days.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I freeze dishes made with canned lentils?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely, most lentil dishes freeze well. Allow the dish to cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </body> </html>