Lentils recipes

Choosing a lentils recipe

Compare the ingredients, cooking time and equipment below to find a dish that fits your plans. Each recipe includes quantities and a step-by-step method.

• Tandoori cauliflower with mint yoghurt and lentils

  Preparation takes 30 minutes. Cooking takes 50 minutes. Allow 57 minutes in total. Makes 4 servings. Key ingredients: trimmed raw cauliflower florets and tender stalk, plain full-fat Greek-style yoghurt, neutral vegetable oil, fresh ginger, garlic. Equipment: Two shallow metal roasting trays, approximately 30 × 40 cm each, Oven with space for both trays and airflow around them, Wide 2–3 litre saucepan with lid, Large mixing bowl, Small bowl, Colander, Clean tea towel or kitchen paper, Sharp knife and chopping board, Fine grater, Spatula or tongs, Kitchen scales and measuring spoons.

  Kitchen tip: The schedule assumes both trays fit in the oven together. If only one fits, roast in two batches, allowing another 25–35 minutes, and coat the second batch shortly before roasting.

• Misir wat with slow-cooked onions

  Preparation takes 18 minutes. Cooking takes 67 minutes. Allow 85 minutes in total. Makes 4 servings. Key ingredients: onions, to be finely chopped into 3–5 mm pieces, split red lentils, to be picked over and rinsed, neutral vegetable oil, such as rapeseed oil, garlic, to be finely grated or crushed, fresh ginger, to be finely grated. Equipment: Heavy-based saucepan or casserole, approximately 3 litres and 20–22 cm wide, with lid, Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula, Fine sieve, Kitchen scales and measuring jug, Chopping board and sharp knife, Fine grater or garlic press, Kettle, Microwave and microwave-safe plate with cover.

  Kitchen tip: The baseline schedule assumes the onions soften and the lentils become tender at the stated checks. Extra softening, simmering or reduction will extend it; do not increase the heat simply to meet the estimate.

• Ethiopian-Inspired Lentil Sambusa Grain Bowl

  Preparation takes 30 minutes. Cooking takes 40 minutes. Allow 70 minutes in total. Makes 4 servings. Key ingredients: red lentils, rinsed, water for cooking lentils, vegetable oil for cooking filling, onion, garlic. Equipment: medium saucepan, large skillet or frying pan, mixing bowls, baking tray or air fryer, knife, cutting board, spoon, measuring cups and spoons.

  Kitchen tip: Ensure lentils are well drained before adding to filling to avoid soggy sambusas.

• Ethiopian-Inspired Stir-Fried Injera Wraps with Spiced Lentils

  Preparation takes 20 minutes. Cooking takes 30 minutes. Allow 50 minutes in total. Makes 4 servings. Key ingredients: red lentils, rinsed, vegetable oil, onion, finely chopped, garlic, minced, grated fresh ginger. Equipment: medium saucepan, large wok or frying pan, mixing bowl, spatula, measuring spoons, measuring cups.

  Kitchen tip: Use red lentils for quick cooking and soft texture; other lentils will require longer cooking and may affect consistency.