From dals to stews, here are 10 creative and non-repetitive ways to get the most out of this store cupboard essential.
Gujarati Dal with Peanuts + Star Anise from Fresh India by Meera Sodha
When some classic Indian comfort food wouldn't go amiss, Meera Sodha's Gujarati dal is the answer. Using yellow toor lentils and spices, it provides a warming and substantial meal, particularly when served with fellow store cupboard staple, basmati rice.
Get your copy of Fresh India here.
Aubergine and Puy Lentil Bolognese from Table Manners: The Cookbook by Jessie Ware & Lennie Ware
A great way of bringing together a collection of the ingredients in your cupboards, this vegan-friendly recipe uses puy lentils, tins of chopped tomatoes and and the pasta of your choice. If you don't have aubergine to hand, try switching out for courgette.
Get your copy of Table Manners here.
Squash and Lentil Curry with Thai Gremolata from Eat Green by Melissa Hemsley
A store cupboard superstar that is also friends with your freezer, this recipe is a great one to make in large batches to see you through a good few days.
From the book
Eat Green
Feel-good food that helps the planet and saves you money
Full of clever tips on seasonal ingredients and sustainable cooking
With flexitarian recipes to suit vegans, veggies, and omnivores
Whole Red Lentils with Cumin and Shallots from Curry Easy Vegetarian by Madhur Jaffrey
When it comes to lentils, in Madhur we trust. This simple red lentil dish uses majority dry ingredients, making it the perfect recipe for a cupboard raid.
Get your copy of Curry Easy Vegetarian here.
Rainbow Lentil Meatballs with Arrabbiata Sauce from There's a Vegan in the House by DK Publishing
Packed with protein, these two-lentil 'meatballs' are a great way to get the kids into eating pulses.
Get your copy of There's a Vegan in the House here.
Puy Lentil and Aubergine Stew from Ottolenghi SIMPLE by Yotam Ottolenghi
When only a stew will do, we're turning to Ottolenghi's puy lentil number served with whatever grain you've got.
Get your copy of Ottolenghi SIMPLE here.
Hearty Red Lentil Soup from Five Ingredients, Ten Minutes by Jules Clancy
Perfect for a substantial lunch, keep a vat of this soup in the fridge ready to be heated up whenever hunger strikes.
Get your copy of Five ingredients, Ten Minutes here.
Lentil Cumberland Pie from Eat Well For Less: Every Day by Jo Scarratt-Jones
If a pie is your ultimate source of comfort then this Eat Well For Less recipe will turn your lentils into soul food.
Get your copy of Eat Well For Less Every Day here.
Cauliflower, Lentil and Olive Tagine from Good Food Eat Well: Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes by Jo Scarrat-Jones
Fire up your slow cooker and let your lentils blip away with this easy recipe inspired by the flavours of a tagine.
Get your copy of Good Food Eat Well: Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes here.
Sausages with Lentils and Herbs from Angela's Kitchen: 200 Quick and Easy Recipes by Angela Hartnett
Got some sausages stowed away in the freezer? There are few more perfect partners for lentils than sausages, and few better recipes to bring them both together than this one.
Get your copy of Angela's Kitchen: 200 Quick and Easy Recipes by Angela Hartnett
