Bean and Lentil Recipes & Ideas

This is the best way to make sure they're prepped and ready for all of your future side dishes.

The quick one-skillet dinner has serious CPK vibes.

It's my definition of comfort food.

It makes a deeply piquant meal, for minimal effort.

One simple time-saving trick makes it extra luxurious.

No soaking required.

You'll have a wholesome meal to reach for all winter long.

These also make for great leftovers.

And it's easy enough to make on a weeknight.

Skip the store-bought stuff — making it yourself is so easy and will be far tastier.

They're tangy, spicy, and buttery all at once.

It's hearty, satisfying, and feeds four for less than $10!

Roasted cauliflower! Al dente lentils! Creamy yogurt sauce!

The main ingredient is just $3.

Sweet and pillowy, thanks to a few key ingredients.

It's like a super-sized Frito pie!

Name a cooler way to have your beans — I'll wait!

This lemony coconut and herb-topped stew has a freshness I love, but it is hearty and filling at the same time.

"I have to admit that creating this recipe felt particularly sinful, maybe even blasphemous ... "

This vegetarian spin on sloppy Joes is so satisfying.

The crunchiest snack or crouton substitute.

The classic Tuscan soup is rich and comforting and easy to put together.

This Palestinian dish made up of tender lamb, creamy garbanzo beans, aromatics, and a rich stock will be the star of your azoumeh (celebratory feast).

Simple, versatile, and delicious.

This spicy chickpea curry is a total classic.

It's the perfect dish to ring in spring.

Just a handful of ingredients turns into magic.

Loaded with both beef and bacon.

This soup is all about the broth.

Loaded with black beans, rice, vegan queso, salsa, and guac.

An easy 30-minute chili, store-bought queso, and alllll the toppings come together in this satisfying snack.

This salad comes together in just 15 minutes.

Cook once and eat it all week long.

Plus, several suggestions on how to dress them up!

It's protein-packed, easy-to-make, and endlessly dippable.

It's everything you love about a breakfast burrito, packed into a hearty one-skillet meal.

Hoppin' John for a happy new year.

When serving corn chips on the side simply isn't enough.

The oven-baked dish is pure cozy comfort food.

This comforting and delicious soup makes for the perfect weeknight meal because you've probably got most of the ingredients in your pantry already.

The cheesy mushroom topper is so deeply satisfying.

Every bite is packed with bold flavor.

It's ultra cozy and flavorful.

Featuring poached pears, black-eyed peas, field greens, and a citrus vinaigrette that ties it all together.

And you only need one pan!

You'll never want to eat beans any other way.

I know what's on the menu for dinner tonight!

You won't believe how good it is.

To serve, I pair the chicken with cooked brown rice, black beans, salsa, and fried plantains — aka deliciousness in a bowl.

Hot, crispy, golden-brown falafel without a huge pot of oil.

The addition of creamy, protein-packed white beans makes it immensely satisfying — no cheese or meat required.

Bonus: They're gluten-free and vegan.

And I don't even have to dirty a bowl.

Happy soup season, everyone!

Pack this chopped salad for a satisfying work lunch.

Creamy goat cheese, crunchy pistachios and carrots, and a tangy Dijon vinaigrette tie it all together.

This recipe combines papri (or any crispy, crunchy element of your choice) with boiled potatoes, drained chickpeas, and a variety of chutneys.

This chaat recipe involves making lentil fritters (wada), dousing them in a creamy yogurt (dahi) sauce, and then serving them with a variety of spicy and sweet chutneys.

Slot these into your weeknight roster ASAP.

This 10-minute dish gets even better as it sits.