When it comes to lentils, red lentils are one of the most popular and versatile varieties out there. However, sometimes you may run out of red lentils or want to try something new.
In such cases, knowing the best substitute for red lentils can be incredibly helpful.
In this blog post, we’ll be sharing the top 16 substitutes for red lentils for various cooking with proper measurements.
Whether you are making soups, dips, or curries, we’ve got you covered!
In short, " What can I use instead of red lentils?" Brown Lentils, Green Lentils, Yellow Split Peas, French Green Lentils, Black Beluga Lentils, Chickpeas, Quinoa, Black Beans, Mung Beans, Split Peas, Yellow Lentils, White Bean, Barley, Farro, Bulgur Wheat, Freekeh.
What are red lentils, and what do red lentils taste like?
Red lentil is a type of legume that has been grown and eaten for centuries all around the world.
They are small, round, and typically red-brown in color. Red lentils are usually split into two halves which makes them easier to cook and digest.
When cooked, red lentils become soft and mushy when mashed up while still retaining some texture.
Their flavor is mild with a slightly nutty taste.
Red lentils also make an excellent substitute for ground beef because of their high protein content.
Uses of red lentils
Red lentil is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be cooked quickly, making them ideal for weeknight meals or meals on the go.
Red lentils have a mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making them very easy to incorporate into various types of cuisine.
Red lentils are an excellent addition to soups and stews due to their ability to break down during cooking and thicken the dish.
They also make for tasty vegetarian burgers when combined with vegetables like carrots or mushrooms. Red lentils can also be used to make creamy dips that can be served with chips or vegetables.
They can be used as a side dish or incorporated into soups, stews, curries, salads, veggie burgers, dips, or even desserts!
Red lentils make a great substitute for ground beef in traditional dishes like tacos or chili.
For those looking for a healthy alternative to pasta, red lentils can easily be cooked and mashed up into a mashed potato-like consistency that makes an excellent base for sauces or toppings.
Finally, red lentils can be blended into smoothies or used as part of a breakfast bowl, such as oatmeal or yogurt parfait.
Where to buy red lentils?
If you are looking for where to buy red lentils, there are a few different places you can go. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores.
You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of red lentils.
16 Best substitute red lentils
1. Brown Lentils
One of the closest substitutes for red lentils is brown lentils. They have a similar texture and can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
However, brown lentils take longer to cook than red lentils.
Ratio or measurement: For every cup of red lentils, use 1 and 1/2 cups of water or broth and cook for 20-30 minutes.
2. Green Lentils
Green lentils are another great substitute for red lentils. They have a nuttier flavor and hold their shape well, making them perfect for salads and stews.
Green lentils take longer to cook than red lentils.
Ratio or measurement: For every cup of red lentils, use 2 cups of water or broth and cook for 30-40 minutes.
3. Yellow Split Peas
If you are looking for a substitute for red lentils for making soup, yellow split peas are a great option.
They have a similar texture and cook quickly.
Ratio or measurement: For every cup of red lentils, use 1 and 1/2 cups of water or broth and cook for 30-40 minutes.
4. French Green Lentils
French green lentils, also known as Puy lentils, are another great option. They have a firmer texture and a nutty flavor, making them perfect for salads and side dishes.
French green lentils take longer to cook than red lentils.
Ratio or measurement: For every cup of red lentils, use 2 cups of water or broth and cook for 30-40 minutes.
5. Black Beluga Lentils
Black beluga lentils are perfect for making lentil burgers or adding to salads. They have a rich, earthy taste and hold their shape well. Black beluga lentils take longer to cook than red lentils.
Ratio or measurement: For every cup of red lentils, use 2 cups of water or broth and cook for 30-40 minutes.
6. Chickpeas
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a great alternative to red lentils for making hummus or dips. They have a nutty flavor and creamy texture.
Chickpeas take longer to cook than red lentils.
Ratio or measurement: For every cup of red lentils, use 3 cups of water or broth and cook for 60-90 minutes.
7. Quinoa
Quinoa can also be used as an alternative to red lentils in some recipes. It has a similar texture and nutty flavor. Quinoa cooks more quickly than red lentils.
Ratio or measurement: For every cup of red lentils, use 1 and 1/2 cups of water or broth and cook for 15-20 minutes.
8. Black Beans
Black beans bring a distinct earthy flavor to any dish and can be a great substitute for red lentils.
They also have a firmer texture, making them a good option for dishes that need a bit more substance.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute red lentils with black beans, use one can of black beans, drained and rinsed, for every ¾ cup of red lentils.
Learn more: Best Black bean paste substitutes
9. Mung Beans
Mung beans are a staple in Indian cuisine and are often used in dishes like dals and curries. They have a soft texture that will complement any dish.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute red lentils with mung beans, use one cup of mung beans for every ½ cup of red lentils.
10. Split Peas
Split peas have a similar texture to red lentils, and their slightly sweet flavor will work well in any dish.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute red lentils with split peas, use one cup of split peas for every ¾ cup of red lentils.
11. Yellow Lentils
Yellow lentils are a type of small lens-shaped legume that can be used as an alternative to red lentils.
These lentils cook quickly and tend to become mushy when cooked, making them ideal for soups, stews, and purees.
Ratio or measurement: To prepare yellow lentils, first rinse them thoroughly before cooking 1 cup of yellow lentils in 3 cups of water or broth for around 25 minutes until the desired consistency is achieved.
12. White Bean
White beans, such as navy beans or cannellini beans, are also suitable substitutes for red lentils as they have a similar creamy texture once cooked and can easily absorb other flavors from spices and seasonings used in recipes.
Ratio or measurement: To prepare white beans, rinse 1 cup before boiling them in 4 cups of water or broth for around 40-50 mins until tender yet still firm adequately to hold their shape during cooking.
13. Barley
Barley is another excellent substitute for red lentils due to its mild nutty taste and chewy texture once cooked, which makes it perfect for soups, stews and salads alike!
It should be boiled in 3 parts liquid (water or stock) per one part barley over low heat until tender (around 30-40 minutes). Rinse 1 cup of barley beforehand if necessary.
14. Farro
Farro is an ancient grain that contains high amounts of protein, making it an excellent substitute for red lentils!
It has a slightly nutty flavor that works well in soups, stews and salads alike!
Ratio or measurement: Cook farro by first rinsing 1 cup and then boiling it in 3 cups of liquid, such as stock or water, over medium heat (around 20-25 minutes).
15. Bulgur Wheat
This form of wheat is often used in Middle Eastern cuisine either alone or combined with other grains like rice, so why not swap out your regular red for bulgur wheat instead?
Boil bulgur wheat similarly to most other grains by first washing it thoroughly.
Ratio or measurement: Cooking it with two parts liquid (stock/water) per one part bulgur wheat over low heat until all the liquid has been absorbed (15-20 min).
16. Freekeh
Freekeh is made from green durum wheat, which is harvested while young and still contains some moisture, so it cooks more quickly than regular wheat, making this an ideal replacement for your standard red lentil!
Ratio or measurement: Prepare freekeh similarly by bringing one part freekeh along with two parts liquid, such as stock/water, over low heat until all the liquid has been absorbed (20-25 min).
Red lentil substitute in soup
Adding red lentils to soup is an easy and nutritious way to add depth of flavor and texture. Red lentils are a type of legume with a mild, earthy taste that pairs well with many soups.
Because they cook quickly, they can be added right at the beginning of the cooking process and cooked until tender.
If you don’t have any red lentils on hand or prefer to use another ingredient, there are several other options for substituting in soup recipes.
Split peas can be used instead of red lentils and provide similar nutritional benefits.
Another substitution option is bulgur wheat which has a chewy texture similar to red lentils but will require longer cooking times due to its coarser grain size.
If you’re looking for something even quicker than either split peas or bulgur wheat, quinoa can be used as well, although it won’t provide the same level of nutrition as either split peas or bulgur wheat.
Adding these ingredients to your favorite soup recipes will make a delicious meal that is sure to satisfy you!
Conclusion on substitute for red lentils
In conclusion, there are many substitutes for red lentils that you can use in various recipes.
Brown lentils, green lentils, yellow split peas, French green lentils, black beluga lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa are the best substitutes for red lentils for various cooking with the proper measurements given above.
If you run out of red lentils or want to try something new, give these substitutes a try! They can add new flavors and textures to your dishes and take your cooking to the next level.
FAQs on substitute for red lentils
Q1. What is similar to red lentils?
Similar to red lentils are other varieties of lentils, such as green, brown, yellow or black. Lentils have a mild taste and can be cooked quickly, making them a great option for soups, stews and salads. They also provide an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber.
Other legumes like chickpeas, split peas or beans are also similar to red lentils in terms of nutrition and cooking time.
Q2. Can you replace red lentils with brown?
Yes, you could replace red lentils with brown in most recipes without significantly altering the outcome. Brown lentils have a milder flavor than red lentils and take a slightly longer time to cook. As a result, if you are using a recipe that calls for red lentils, it would be wise to adjust the cooking time accordingly when substituting with brown lentils.
Furthermore, because brown lentils take up more liquid than red lentils, you may need to adjust the ratios of your other ingredients, such as water or broth.
Additionally, while both types of lentils are widely available in grocery stores, you may find that health food stores carry a wider variety of organic and specialty lentil varieties like French green or black beluga.
Q3. Can I substitute yellow split peas for red lentils?
Yes, you can substitute yellow split peas for red lentils in many recipes. Split pea is a variety of field peas that have been dried and split, whereas lentils are legumes that don’t require pre-soaking. The flavor of the two ingredients is quite similar, and both contain a good amount of protein, fiber and minerals.
When substituting yellow split peas for red lentils, you may need to slightly adjust cooking times as split peas take slightly longer to cook. Additionally, yellow split peas have a higher water content than red lentils, so it may be necessary to reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe if using split peas as a substitution.
Q4. Can I substitute red beans for red lentils?
Yes, you can substitute red beans for red lentils in many recipes. Red beans are slightly larger than red lentils, but they both have a mild, earthy flavor that works well in soups, stews, and curries. If substituting red beans for red lentils, be sure to increase the cooking time, as red beans usually take longer to cook.
Also, keep in mind that while red lentils will break down during cooking, this won’t happen with red beans, so the texture of the dish may change slightly.
Q5. Can I use green lentils instead of red in curry?
Yes, you can use green lentils instead of red lentils in curry. While red lentils are more commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern dishes, the flavor of green lentils is similar and will still provide the same savory flavors to your dish.
The main contrast between the two types of lentils is that green lentils take a bit longer to cook than red and have a firmer texture. If you are looking for a nuttier flavor, then go with green lentils, as they tend to have a slightly nuttier taste compared to red. Both can be used interchangeably in any recipe that calls for either type of lentil.
Q6. Can you substitute green lentils for red lentils in soup?
Yes, you can substitute green lentils for red lentils in soup. Green lentils have a slightly more earthy taste than red lentils and are best used in soups that have stronger flavors. They also retain their shape better than red lentils, making them ideal for dishes where texture is important.
Green lentils take about twice as long to cook as red lentils, so it’s important to plan accordingly when substituting them in recipes.
Q7. What can I use instead of lentils in soup?
Instead of lentils, you could use split peas in soup. Split peas are a good substitute for lentils and can add a unique flavor to the soup. They are a member of the legume family and are high in fiber and protein, making them both filling and nutritious. Split peas also take less time to cook than lentils, so you can make your soup quickly.
To add more flavor, try adding vegetables like carrots and onions or herbs like bay leaves or thyme to the mix. If you want to try adding some bacon or sausage for an added layer of smoky flavor.
