What To Eat With Lentils? 16 Best Side Dishes

lentils

Lentils are a healthy and versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into various dishes, from soups and salads to hearty main courses.

They are packed with nutrients, including protein and fiber, making them an excellent choice for a balanced meal.

To elevate your lentil dishes, it's essential to pair them with delicious side dishes that complement their earthy flavors.

In this post, you will find 16 fantastic side dishes that are perfect for serving alongside lentils for a satisfying and enjoyable meal.

lentils

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with lentils are roasted vegetables, yellow rice, couscous, caramelized onions, gobi manchurian, tomato basil soup, brown rice, grilled flatbread, Greek salad, cucumber raita, quinoa, and naan bread.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Yellow Rice

Yellow Rice

Yellow rice is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that pairs well with lentils. Its bright color and fragrant aroma, derived from spices like turmeric and saffron, add an extra layer of flavor that complements the earthy lentils.

2. Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions are a sweet and savory side dish that enhances the taste of lentils. Their rich, deep flavors and tender texture add complexity and depth to the overall meal, making for a delicious and satisfying combination.

3. Gobi Manchurian

Gobi manchurian

Gobi Manchurian is an Indo-Chinese dish made from crispy, deep-fried cauliflower florets tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce. This flavorful and textured side dish adds a unique and exciting contrast to the earthy lentils, creating a memorable dining experience.

4. Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup

Tomato basil soup is a classic, comforting soup that pairs wonderfully with lentils. The tangy tomato base and aromatic basil provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty lentils, creating a well-balanced and delicious meal.

5. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a healthy and colorful side dish that works well with lentils. The caramelized, tender vegetables bring out the natural sweetness and add depth to the overall meal, enhancing the flavors of the lentils.

6. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a tasty and comforting side dish that pairs well with lentils. The crispy, buttery bread infused with garlic and herbs adds a delightful crunch and savory flavor that complements the earthy, rich lentils.

7. Brown Rice

Brown rice

Brown rice is a nutritious and hearty side dish that complements lentils. The chewy, slightly nutty rice provides a satisfying and filling accompaniment that balances the earthy, protein-rich lentils.

8. Grilled Flatbread

Grilled flatbread is a versatile and flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with lentils. The slightly charred, chewy bread can be used to scoop up the lentils, making it a delicious and interactive dining experience.

9. Greek Salad

Greek salad is a light, refreshing side dish that adds a touch of brightness to your lentil meal. The combination of crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and zesty dressing creates a palate-cleansing contrast to the hearty lentils.

10. Cucumber Raita

Cucumber raita is a cooling and creamy side dish that works well with lentils, especially when they are spiced. The combination of grated cucumber, yogurt, and herbs creates a refreshing accompaniment that balances the flavors and textures of the lentils.

11. Quinoa

cooked quinoa in a brown ball topped with parsley

Quinoa is a protein-rich, gluten-free side dish that pairs nicely with lentils. Its fluffy texture and mild, nutty flavor create a wholesome and satisfying base for the earthy lentils, making for a healthy and delicious meal.

12. Naan Bread

Naan bread is a soft, chewy side dish that complements lentils, particularly in Indian-inspired dishes. The warm, pillowy bread is perfect for soaking up the flavors and sauces from the lentils, creating a mouthwatering and satisfying combination.

13. French Onion Soup

Onion soup topped with baguette slices, melted cheese and parsley

French onion soup is a rich, savory side dish that complements lentils. The combination of sweet caramelized onions, beef broth, and melted cheese creates a decadent and flavorful accompaniment that adds depth to the lentil dishes.

14. Sautéed Greens

Sautéed greens, such as spinach or kale, are a healthy and simple side dish that works well with lentils. The tender, slightly bitter greens provide a palate-cleansing contrast to the hearty and earthy lentils, adding a touch of freshness to the meal.

15. Couscous

Couscous

Couscous is a light, fluffy side dish that pairs nicely with lentils. Its delicate texture and mild flavor create a satisfying and versatile base for the earthy lentils, making for a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal.

16. Moroccan Carrot Salad

Moroccan carrot salad is a bright and flavorful side dish that adds a touch of exotic flair to your lentil meal. The combination of tender, spiced carrots, fresh herbs, and tangy dressing creates a refreshing and palate-cleansing contrast to the hearty lentils.

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lentils

What To Serve With Lentils

Looking for the best sides to eat with your flavorful lentils? We have 16 delicious ideas for the perfect meal.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: dinner, lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Creamy Lentils, lentils, red lentils
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2
Author: Corrie

Ingredients

  • 1 lentils

Instructions

  • Make the best lentils using your favorite recipe.
  • Make a side dish from the list above. You can eat lentils with roasted vegetables, yellow rice, couscous, caramelized onions, gobi manchurian, tomato basil soup, brown rice, grilled flatbread, Greek salad, cucumber raita, quinoa, and naan bread.
  • Serve and enjoy a wonderful meal 🙂
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