School Corner

It’s always on the cafe soup list, lurking at the back of the pantry, or feeding a houseful of hungry (but short on funds) college kids. Welcome to lentil week on The Greatist Table! Len are an ideal superfood for vegetarians, budgeters, or anyone who likes a quick, healthy meal. They’re loaded with protein, iron, folate, potassium, and plenty of antioxidants. Take these lovable legumes way beyond lentil-barley soup with some fresh new healthy recipes.

Cherry, Lentil, and Fennel Salad  happyolks
Ready for a lighter, different lentil dish? This salad’s loaded with tart cherries, beets, avocado, fennel, avocado, and plenty of fresh herbs.

Photo: Shaun Boyte / Happyolks

Beef and Lentil Chili via kitchen confidance
This classic soup is perfect for a blustery winter evening. Add some veggies — leeks, onions, carrots, celery, and tomatoes — to balance out the ground beef and pancetta.

Photo: Liren / Kitchen Confidante

Lentil Granola via Stonesoup
This ingenious granola recipe is perfect for gluten-free friends. Combine red lentils with nuts, cinnamon, honey, almonds, and some coconut and bake for a grainless, super-energizing breakfast.

Photo: Jules Clancy / Stonesoup

Mushroom and Lentil Burgers via 84th &3rd
Make these filling gluten-free burgers for vegetarians at a backyard BBQ. The recipe calls for Vegemite, but we won’t tell if you use regular old ketchup instead.

Photo: JJ / 84th and 3rd

Lentil Bread via Natural Noushing
Bread…made out of lentils? This flatbread is made of lentils, flaxseed meal, coconut oil, and sea salt. Top it with hummus or another spread or serve alongside soup or a salad.

Photo: Nora / Natural Noshing