25 Vegan Red Lentil Recipes That Fill You Up Fast

25 vegan red lentil recipes for quick, filling meals including soup, curry, stew, chilli, patties and pasta ideas.

If you are looking for vegan red lentil recipes that are hearty, budget-friendly and genuinely satisfying, this list is packed with easy ideas for busy days. Red lentils cook quickly, work beautifully in everything from a creamy red lentil curry recipe to a chunky red lentil stew, and turn simple ingredients like coconut milk, tomato paste, vegetable broth, lemon juice and ground spices into a proper meal. They are one of the easiest ways to add plant-based protein to lunch or dinner without spending ages at the hob.

This roundup includes much more than just soup or dahl. You will find vegan red lentil soup, curry, chilli, pasta sauce, patties, loaf and slow cooker ideas, so there is something here whether you want a quick meal for a weeknight or a make-ahead dinner for the time of year when you want something warming and filling.

Red lentils are also brilliant because they soften much faster than green lentils or brown lentils, so they are ideal when you want dinner on the table fast. They break down into a creamy consistency, absorb curry powder, garam masala, chili powder and fresh ginger beautifully, and they are easy to find in grocery stores. If your pot looks too thick partway through cooking, a splash of water or a little extra vegetable broth usually fixes it, because the main thing with red lentils is keeping an eye on how much liquid they absorb.

Lentil Loaf Recipe

Looking for a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs holiday lentil loaf? I've got you covered AND I've made this version naturally gluten-free.

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Easy Vegan Meatloaf with Lentils and Chickpeas

This Easy Vegan Meatloaf with Lentils and Chickpeas is perfect for a healthy, filling and flavorful vegan/vegetarain holiday main dish! It's gluten free too

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Wholesome Vegan Lentil & Courgette Shepherds Pie

Meatless vegan shepherds pie with red lentils and grated courgettes. Topped with a buttery and crispy mash. Perfect warming meal for wintery nights.

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Lentil Shepherd's Pie - Vegan & Gluten-Free - A Virtual Vegan

The ultimate Vegan Lentil Shepherd's Pie featuring rich, flavourful, saucy lentils topped with fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes & baked until deliciously golden brown & crispy. Easy, healthy, comforting and filling!

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Lentil Tacos with Roasted Cauliflower - Delish Knowledge

Lentil Tacos with Roasted Cauliflower and Creamy Avocado Herb Sauce. These vegan lentil tacos are packed with SO much flavor!

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Lentil Walnut Taco Meat - Delish Knowledge

Lentil Walnut Vegan Taco Meat! Looking for a healthy filling for tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more? Try this vegan lentil walnut taco meat. Delicious!

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Vegan Lentil Shepherd's Pie

This is the best vegan shepherd’s pie! With a flavorful lentil and sticky onion filling, this is the perfect healthy comfort food for winter.

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1-Pot Red Lentil Chili

Sometimes inspiration comes from the most unexpected places. I posted this picture on Instagram a few weeks ago (for my Red Lentil Curry), and

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Red Lentil Chickpea Loaf with Mushroom Gravy

This red lentil chickpea loaf is a nourishing, plant-based spin on a favorite comfort food: meatloaf! Topped with a savory mushroom gravy.

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Red Lentil Shepherd's Pie - Cinnamon and Kale

This vegan red lentil shepherd's pie with a sweet potato mash is comforting and delicious. Budget friendly, it's high in protein and iron.

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Red Lentil Patties | Easy Fritters Recipe - Elavegan

These hearty, healthy red lentil patties contain 11 ingredients and the fritters are gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, & ready in 35 mins!

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One Pot Red Lentil Sloppy Joes

A plant-based twist on a summer classic, these lentil sloppy joes pack in a ton of flavor and protein, and can be cooked in just one pot.

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Vegan Lentil Tacos - Delish Knowledge

Vegan Lentil Tacos! These are the BEST swap for ground meat tacos with the same amount of protein and half the fat with zero cholesterol.

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Easy Vegan Red Lentil Bolognese - Making Thyme for Health

Easy Vegan Red Lentil Bolognese- split red lentils and walnuts make for a hearty sauce that's packed full of protein, iron and heart healthy omega-3s. Comes together in just 30 minutes! I've been meal planning for so long that it feels like my religion at this point. I do it once per week, every week […]

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Red Lentil Curry

This one-pot Red Lentil Curry is a simple yet gourmet pantry recipe and bonafide fan favorite. Creamy, indulgent, and ready in 45 minutes.

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Slow Cooker Vegan Lentil Ragu

This slow cooker vegan lentil ragu is a perfect mid-week meal for busy families and is packed with flavour and nutrients. Simply put all the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a healthy and delicious meal.

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Slow Cooker Vegan Lentil Soup (Crockpot Recipe)

Set-and-forget Lentil Soup (Crockpot Recipe) for cosy nights; vegan, hearty, and freezer-friendly.

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Chickpea and Lentil Vegan Slow Cooker Stew

This chickpea and lentil vegan slow cooker stew (vegan crock pot stew) is full of goodness and flavour, is very hearty and is the perfect comfort food on a cold day.

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Vegan Red Lentil Pasta Bake With Crunchy Topping

This vegan red lentil pasta bake with crunchy topping is a tasty and filling meal which has added protein from the lentils and a tasty crunch from the garlicky topping. Prepare this vegan pasta bake in the morning and pop it in the oven in the evening for a low effort midweek meal that the whole family will enjoy.

5/5 from 1 ratings

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Vegan Red Lentil Dahl Recipe (with coconut milk)

"Indulge in the rich flavors of our Vegan Red Lentil Dahl infused with creamy coconut milk! This easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a satisfying and nutritious meal that's perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike. Enjoy the aromatic blend of spices and the comforting goodness of red lentils, all expertly combined to create a delectable and wholesome dish. Try our mouthwatering Vegan Red Lentil Dahl recipe today and delight your taste buds with a burst of plant-based goodness!"

5/5 from 1 ratings

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Spicy Red Lentil Soup Recipe

Discover the ultimate Spicy Red Lentil Soup recipe that will awaken your taste buds and nourish your soul. This tantalising blend of aromatic spices and hearty lentils creates a comforting and flavourful dish that is perfect for any season. Dive into a bowl of warmth and nutrition with this easy-to-follow recipe, as we guide you step by step through the process of creating a culinary masterpiece. Prepare to savor every spoonful of this wholesome soup that is sure to leave you craving more.

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Why red lentils are so good for quick vegan meals

Red lentils are one of the best cupboard ingredients for easy recipes because they cook faster than most other lentils and turn soft enough to create a naturally creamy consistency without loads of extra work. They pair well with coconut milk, curry paste, tomato paste, vegetable broth, fresh ginger, curry powder, garam masala and a final squeeze of lemon juice, so they can swing from Indian cuisine-inspired dinners to simple tomato-based soups and stews with hardly any fuss.

They are also a handy source of plant-based protein, which is one reason these meals feel so satisfying and filling. Unlike green lentils and brown lentils, which tend to hold their shape more firmly, red lentils soften down fast, which is exactly what you want in a quick vegan red lentil soup, a creamy curry or a silky pasta sauce.

Serving ideas for vegan red lentil recipes

Most of these vegan red lentil recipes are lovely served with rice, naan, flatbreads or crusty bread. For freshness, add fresh cilantro or fresh coriander, depending on what you call it, plus a squeeze of lemon over the top. If you want to stretch dinner further, serve them with roasted sweet potato, sautéed bell peppers or a crisp salad on the side. Anything leftover can usually be cooled and stored in an airtight container for easy lunches the next day.

Conclusion

These vegan red lentil recipes prove that filling dinners do not need loads of effort, expensive ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Whether you are craving a red lentil curry recipe with coconut milk, a chunky red lentil stew, a cosy vegan red lentil soup or something more unusual like patties, chilli or pasta bake, there are so many ways to turn a humble bag of red lentils into a proper meal. Keep this recipe card-style roundup bookmarked for the next time you need a quick meal made from simple ingredients, because red lentils really are one of the most useful staples to have in the cupboard.

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