Lentils, powerhouses of nutrition, are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Rich in protein, fibre, and essential nutrients like iron and folate, lentils support heart health, aid digestion, and promote stable energy levels throughout the day.
For this reason, they’re ideal to incorporate in any diet. One of Deliciously Ella’s earliest and most popular recipes was a lentil bolognese, and since then we’re constantly looking at ways to reinvent this versatile ingredient.
They’re perfect to add to pastas and sauces, stir into soups and curries, and at Deliciously Ella we love them baked in the oven until they become crispy, then scattered on top of salads for a delicious, crispy crunch.
Lentils are always stocked up in the Deliciously Ella kitchen, and once you try one of these incredible plant-based lentil recipes, we know they'll become a storecupboard staple for you too.
Satisfying and deliciously moreish, this one-pan pasta dish is just the thing for a quick midweek dinner for the whole family. A comforting creamy tomato sauce made with passata and coconut yoghurt, a handful of fresh basil and beluga or Puy lentils for energy-fuelling protein. You can swap the spaghetti for any pasta you have in the cupboard.
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Short on time? Pick up a bag of spinach on your way home and this vibrant green pasta, loaded with goodness is ready in just 15 mins. Spinach, garlic, chilli and fresh basil make up the silky-smooth sauce, with lentils adding a bit of bite and protein. Did we mention there’s only one pan to wash up?
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Super-charged with flavour and nutrition, this dish makes an easy midweek meal for two that’ll make you feel pretty good about yourself. Packed with protein, fibre and healthy fats it’s easy to put together and then let the oven do all the work. Great hot or cold for lunch the next day.
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This warm rice salad is absolutely delicious, full of texture and really satisfying. Turmeric roasted cauliflower, shallots and lentils make up the base, while the rice is cooked with fragrant cardamon pods, cloves, cashews and a cinnamon stick. It’s all brought together with an amazing dressing of oozy roasted garlic, lemon juice and maple. Just as delicious eaten cold, so it’s perfect for lunch the next day.
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This is the perfect batch cooking recipe. Easy to make, packed with nutrition and very versatile. It’s great with pasta, quinoa, jacket potatoes or rice; and it’s equally popular with adults and kids alike.
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A simple, seasonal dish packed with cumin-roasted sweet potatoes, crispy lentils, tenderstem broccoli and a sage salsa verde, with a little chilli to finish. Enjoy as a light supper or as part of a big spread with crusty sourdough, creamy hummus and a peppery side salad.
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This recipe ticks all the boxes — healthy and energising, yet hearty and satisfying. If you’ve not tried crispy lentils yet, then this will be a bit of a revelation. The combination of textures and flavours with tender sweet potato, fresh zingy slaw, crunchy lentils, a sweet spicy dressing and a sprinkling of golden sticky seeds, make every mouthful unbelievably moreish.
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An Italian twist on the potato salad with sun-dried tomatoes and basil, this recipe is a great way to use up any leftover roast potatoes — they add a satisfying crunch to this simple salad.
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Looking for a simple and healthy store-cupboard dinner? This warming, nourishing bowl is one of our go-to spiced suppers — it’s easy to make, has simple ingredients, is freezer-friendly and full of flavour.
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This main-course salad is an all-rounder: it has elegance for entertaining; is simple enough for busy weekdays; and hits the spot as a dinner dish. The toasted spicy lentils are also a game changer, giving every bite a satisfying crunch.
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Tucking into this fresh crunchy rainbow salad will no doubt fill work colleagues with envy. The addition of mint, pomegranate and pistachios takes a simple salad up a notch, making it a brilliant workday lunch that’s worth getting excited for.
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This soup is great to enjoy during colder months. The sweet potato is delicious teamed with the spices, lime juice and coconut milk; the red lentils add a slight sweetness and bring it all together. We love to serve this with a dollop of coconut yoghurt and a sprinkle of chilli flakes for a fiery kick.
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This is the best recipe when you want something light but warming. The fragrant cumin seeds give the carrots so much flavour and the lentils are deliciously filling. Big dollops of creamy cashew cream really bring the whole thing together.
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This is a brilliant recipe for batch cooking. Red lentils are simmered with sautéed red onion, lots of spices, fresh ginger, garlic and coconut milk. Add to that cinnamon and cumin-roasted butternut squash, finish with a sprinkling of roasted almonds, coconut chips, fresh herbs, chilli and yoghurt — and you have the ultimate winter warmer.
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Packed with protein, this simple recipe comes together in 30 minutes, making it a great midweek supper. The crispy spiced kale and chickpeas add texture, while the harissa gives a subtle — but delicious — kick to each bite.
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This salad is so much more than the sum of its parts. The lentils, capers and potatoes, tossed in a zingy mustard dressing, make this fresh, flavourful meal a hearty working lunch or summer dinner.
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Hearty, flavourful and simple to make, this rich gnocchi bake is packed with goodness and easy on the washing-up. A perfect weeknight dish to satisfy everyone and any leftovers can be reheated for a quick lunch the next day.
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