Lentils: A Launchpad for Plant-Forward Innovation

As plant-forward dining holds its firm footing as norm not niche, creative chefs are developing dishes that go beyond meatless stand-ins and truly resonate with today’s flexitarian guests. Lentils offer a strategic solution—a protein-rich, fiber-packed, globally recognized ingredient that delivers comfort, craveability and culinary range. For chefs looking to build menu items with a solid plant-centric foundation, lentils provide a smart and satisfying springboard. Whether building layered salads, globally inspired soups or better-for-you breakfast bowls, lentils offer a runway for plant-centric creativity that meets today’s demand for flavor-forward, nutrient-dense options.

Salads & Bowls: A World of Opportunity

Lentils bring protein to composed salads that stand up as entrées or starters. Recent consumer insights indicate that Mediterranean is the most accepted cuisine for lentils. Whole red lentils meet bright Mediterranean flavors—crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, salty feta, briny olives and artichoke hearts—tossed in a zesty lemon‑oregano vinaigrette and fresh parsley and mint for a balanced, herbaceous finish.

Soups & Stews: A Global Format for Comfort and Flavor

Lentils shine in soup and stew applications, absorbing flavor while delivering a creamy or hearty texture. They adapt easily to a wide variety of culinary traditions, from Indian dal to Middle Eastern harira. Mercimek Çorbasi, a Turkish lentil soup, is a shining example of how a few ingredients—red lentils, vegetables, warm spices—can come together for a richly satisfying plant-based menu item.

Breakfast & Brunch: Expand the Daypart with Lentils

Lentils are an unexpected but welcome addition to breakfast. With a neutral flavor and hearty texture, they pair easily with eggs, vegetables and globally inspired flavor combinations. Whether folded into scrambles, baked into patties or layered into bowls, lentils bring satiety and savory appeal to morning menus. This Lentil Shakshuka Bake delivers global flavor in a
brunch-ready format built for foodservice. It stars earthy lentils simmered in a spiced
tomato-pepper sauce.

Visit lentils.org/foodservice to access an array of helpful resources, including full recipes for the menu inspirations featured here, plus many more.