Ever since the hype around protein shifted to fiber, everyone has been trying to include more fiber-rich ingredients in their diets. For anyone unsure where to start, I recommend lentils. Lentils are packed with both fiber and plant-based protein, making them extra appealing. They’re versatile, too, which means there are plenty of lentil recipes to help you meet your fiber goals, without getting tired of the legume.

The most common way to use lentils is in cozy lentil soup recipes. You can make sausage and lentil soup, curry lentil soup, spicy chicken lentil soup and so many more, each with its own unique texture and flavor. Thanks to their tiny size, lentils are also a great plant-based alternative for meat in ground beef recipes, so you’ll also find recipes for lentil meatballs, tacos, sloppy Joes, meatloaf and potpie.

I love that a lot of these lentil recipes are plant-based, but many combine lentils and meat to boost the protein and fiber of the meal even more. Several options are also gluten- and dairy-free, so there’s truly something in here for everyone.

Taste of Home