How to Build a Mediterranean Lentil Bowl

Delicous, nourishing and endlessly adaptable, this simple method for making a Mediterranean Lentil Bowl will become your go-to easy mid-week meal. Best of all,it can be adapted to what you have in the cupboard! Get creative with favourite toppings such as this Tofu Halloumi Cheese, or juicy Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes.

this recipe

🫘Pick and Mix Ingredients

The ingredients to top a lentil bowl are very adaptable and you can vary acccording to your tastes and what vegetables are available. The list below of what you can add is by no means exhaustive , but it does give you a good base to riff off.

Pick and Mix from each of the categories below!

1. Lentils: - the base of the bowl! Lentils come in lots of different guises, from small and dark green varieties used throughout the Mediterranean through to big fat red & yellow types used more generally on the Indian subcontinent. For this lentil bowl however, we're focusing on Mediterranean flavors. I like to use beluga or puy lentils (aka green lentils) as they have a gorgeous texture that keeps its bite yet is somehow creamy at the same time. They're pretty easy to cook,  just simmer in some broth or water for 25-30 mins. Or you can get easy pre-made packs of lentils, or even use tinned.
2. Vinaigrette or Salad Dressing. Make your own vinaigrette with dijon mustard, vinegar and olive oil, or just use your fave dressing. Alternatively get fancy and make this Tahini Herb Sauce.
3. Some kind of onion: Finely chopped spring onions or red onions that have been quickly marinated in some vinegar are my favourite.
4. Tomatoes and/Or Peppers: Either fresh or roasted tomatoes, or fresh or roasted red peppers. They're juicy and are so delicious when added to lentils. Sometimes I also add radishes!
5. Olives, Capers or pickles: I adore those giant green olives or kalamata olives, and sometimes add those tiny little spicy-sweet pickled chili peppers too.
6. A protein or cheese of choice. I like to add some vegan feta, top with grilled tofu and have even been known to marinate some vegan 'Chicken' Seitan and grill that to top the bowl.
7. Green Veggies : Simple greens such as rocket (arugula) or baby spinach are easy, or you could top with grilled zucchini or fresh green beans.
8. Fresh Herbs: If you have herbs growing in your garden or just some to use up, you can choose whataver is your favourite. I particularly love fresh basil, however thyme, dill and parsley are also delicious.

See recipe card for quantities.

🌶️Substitutions & Fun Extras

• Not just Lentils -Add other grains such as farro, quinoa or cooked brown rice (amazing for adding more fiber)
• Avocado- or hummus. Or even vegan cream cheese.
• Vegan Bacon Bits - buy them or make your own Tofu Bacon Bits
• Other bits to try: Za'atar or Dukkah (spice and herb blends) are delicious sprinkled over the top.

👩‍🍳How to make a lentil bowl:

You can choose to use pre-cooked lentils from a pouch or jar. Or cook your own in some stock.If you decide to cook them from scratch, simply simmer the lentils in enough water to cover them with a bay leaf & some vegetable stock powder until they are tender. Puy lentils will take around 25 mins as they are quite petite, other larger green lentils around 35 mins. (Don't let them dry out)

1. Step 1: Add the warm, cooled or room temperature lentils to a bowl. Mix in as much vinagrette or dressing into the lentils as you wish . (about 2 tbsp)

2. Step 2: Add your leafy greens, then top with tomatoes, onions, olives, feta, tofu or whatever else you have ready to eat with the lentils. Pour over more dressing and eat!

What to serve with a lentil bowl?

If you want to make your meal a little more hearty, why not try making some vegan air fryer garlic bread or add some leftover Potato Salad with Peas?

❓Lentil Bowl FAQs

What should I eat with lentils?

Here are some yummy salads to try with your lentil bowl.