What to Eat with Lentils as A Vegetarian (9 Tasty Options)

Lentils are one of my favorite foods because they’re not only high in protein, but they’re also affordable and versatile.

So, what are the best things to eat with lentils as a vegetarian?

There are many options for what to eat with lentils as a vegetarian. You can pair them with rice, quinoa, couscous, or bread.

You can also add them to soups, stews, salads, or veggie burgers.

Lentils are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes.

Here are 9 options to get you started!

What to Eat with Lentils as A Vegetarian?

There are a lot of different ways you can cook lentils, which makes them a versatile food to work with. You can make them into a soup, stew, curry, or even a salad.

They pair well with rice, quinoa, couscous, and bread. As for vegetables, they go well with carrots, potatoes, onions, celery, tomatoes, and spinach.

Keep scrolling for more ideas!

1. Carrots

Many vegetarians know the struggle of finding something to eat with lentils.

They can be quite bland on their own, and often need some help in the flavor department.

Carrots are a great option to pair with lentils, as their sweetness can really compliment the dish.

Plus, they add some much-needed texture and visual appeal.

If you’re looking to spruce up your lentils, carrots are a great option.

They’re easy to cook, and can really help to elevate the dish.

Plus, they’re a healthy and nutrient-rich addition.

So next time you’re wondering what to eat with your lentils, give carrots a try!

2. Celery

Celery is one of the most underrated vegetables out there.

It’s perfect for dipping into hummus or eating on its own as a healthy snack.

It’s also a great way to add some crunch to a vegetarian lentil dish.

If you’re looking for a easy recipe to try, lentil soup (check out these lentil soup side dishes) is always a good option.

Just sauté some onions and celery in a tablespoon of olive oil, then add in a cup of dry lentils and four cups of vegetable broth.

Season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.

Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, then ladle into bowls and enjoy.

3. Onion

There are many simple ways to cook onion as a vegetarian.

One way is to fry them in oil with some spices.

This gives them a delicious flavor and a crispy texture.

Another way is to bake them in the oven with some olive oil and sea salt.

This gives them a more mellow flavor and a softer texture.

You can also add them to soups and stews for extra flavor.

Onions are a great addition to many different dishes.

They are especially good in dishes that are high in protein, such as lentils.

4. Garlic

Not only is rice filling, but it has a neutral flavor that allows the lentils to really shine.

This dish is perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Cooking the rice and lentils (click here to find out what to serve with lentils and rice) together can be tricky, but here are a few tips.

1. First, make sure to rinse the rice several times before cooking to remove any excess starch.
2. Second, use a ratio of 1:2 rice to lentils, and cook them in boiling water for 18 minutes.
3. Finally, add some salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve with a green salad and some crusty bread (see also: What Bread Goes Well with Lentil Soup) for a complete meal.

5. Cauliflower

There are also many ways you can cook this veg together with lentils.

For example, you could roast them both together with some spices for a flavorful and easy dish.

Or, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you could try sauteeing the cauliflower and then simmering it with the lentils in a flavorful broth.

Whichever way you choose to cook them, these two ingredients make a great team.

Just be sure to season well and adjust the cooking time according to your preference.

6. Broccoli

Now, how about some green?

Broccoli goes great with lentils because of their complementary flavors.

Plus, broccoli is packed with nutrients.

It’s also relatively easy to cook with; just steam or roast it and you’re good to go.

Texture-wise, the two ingredients work well together too.

The softness of the lentils provides a nice contrast to the crunch of the broccoli.

And as far as tips go, don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings.

A little bit of curry powder or cumin can really liven things up.

So there you have it: lentils and broccoli, a perfect match for each other.

Give it a try next time you’re looking for a hearty, yet healthy, vegetarian meal (see also: What to Eat with Lentils as A Vegetarian).

7. Bell Peppers

Whether you decide to stuff them or keep them whole, bell peppers are a great addition to lentils.

They add a bright flavor and a pop of color, and can be easily incorporated into any dish.

If you’re new to cooking with these two ingredients together, start with a simple recipe like lentil soup or a lentil salad.

Both are easy to make and can be easily customized to your liking.

Just remember to cook the lentils thoroughly before adding the bell peppers, as they can make the dish mushy if they’re not cooked long enough.

8. Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms, roasted mushrooms, sautéed mushrooms, grilled mushrooms, mushrooms in a cream sauce…

See Also: What to Serve with Stuffed Mushrooms: 33 Easy Side Dishes

There are so many delicious ways to cook mushrooms, and they go perfectly with lentils.

Both ingredients are packed with flavor and offer a variety of textures, making them a perfect pair for any meal.

If you’re new to cooking with mushrooms, start with something simple like sautéed mushrooms.

Sautéing is a quick and easy way to cook mushrooms, and it brings out their natural flavors.

Just cook them in a little oil over medium heat until they’re browned and tender.

Lentils and mushrooms also make a great pairing for more sophisticated dishes.

Try roasted mushrooms with lentils in a cream sauce.

The mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor to the sauce, and the lentils provide a hearty, filling base.

This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

Whether you’re a mushroom lover or a lentil fan, you’re sure to enjoy this delicious combination.

9. Tomatoes

You can stuff tomatoes, fry them, bake them or eat them raw.

Lentils go well with tomatoes in all these dishes and more.

The two ingredients complement each other perfectly, with the tomatoes adding a touch of sweetness and the lentils providing a hearty, earthy flavor.

Cooking with these two ingredients is relatively easy.

Simply cook the lentils according to package instructions and then add them to the dish of your choice.

If you’re stuffing tomatoes, for example, simply mix the cooked lentils with some bread crumbs, herbs and spices, stuff the tomatoes and bake.

Both ingredients are also quite versatile in terms of texture.

The lentils can be left whole, or mashed or pureed for a smoother texture.

The tomatoes can also be varied, from soft and juicy to firm and crunchy.

Finally, here are a few tips for working with these ingredients.

If you’re frying the tomatoes, be sure to cook them over high heat so they don’t release too much water.

And if you’re pureeing the lentils, add a little water or broth to help them reach the desired consistency.

These two ingredients can be used in a variety of dishes, from simple to complex.

So whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for a dinner party, give lentils and tomatoes a try.