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I am all for the usual porridge, like savory oat bran, baked oats, and cream of rice. But, we're switching it up with red split LENTILS.
Yes, that's right, we're going with no-oats porridge.
You're probably thinking, "that doesn't sound right." Well, it does. And it tastes amazing!
Why Youâll Love This
- This breakfast bowl of lentils is PACKED with plant-based PROTEIN! Thanks to the legumes, we're hitting about 17 grams of protein per serving. To put that into perspective, a bowl of old-fashioned cooked oats yields about 4 grams of protein.
- It's ready in just 15 minutes! No need to spend an entire hour hovering over the stove. This recipe only takes a few minutes to make.
- Made with pantry-friendly ingredients. Check out your pantry - you might already have all the ingredients needed. This includes lentils, spices, brown sugar, walnuts, and coconut milk to add some creaminess.
- This recipe is grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and 100% VEGAN!
Lentils for Breakfast
Lentils may seem like an unusual guest at the breakfast table in some places, like here in the western world. However, lentils are enjoyed bright-and-early in countries like Iran with their stew called haleem made with lentils, grains, meat, and spices. And then you have idli in south India, a savory rice cake made with fermented black lentils.
Speaking of protein, starting a plant-based diet and needing more protein? Check out Top 10 Cheap Plant-Based Protein Sources to get some ideas for your next meals!
What To Eat With Breakfast Lentils
Feel free to add or top your breakfast lentils with your favorites! Here are some ideas:
- Chocolate chips
- Nuts
- Dates
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- Chia seeds
- Spices
- Coconut milk
- Vegan Greek yogurt
- Coconut flakes
A great addition to a warm and cozy lentil porridge is a mug of warm spiced tea. Ginger tea, chai, and cinnamon are all great examples.
Recipe FAQs
Why Use Red Split Lentils
Red split lentils are very soft, tender, and take on any of the flavors you give to them. Additionally, they cook relatively fast in comparison to other lentil varieties.
They are typically cooked in just 12-15 minutes. On the other hand, green lentils are tender after being cooked for 30 minutes or so.
If you're into lentils, these recipes are a must-try!
Where To Buy Red Split Lentils
Red split lentils can be found at big-box grocery stores including Walmart, Target, and Trader Joeâs.
I have also found them at Asian grocery stores at a great price and sometimes in bulk.
Theyâll usually be sitting next to other dry legumes. If you canât locate red split lentils at your local grocery store, they can also be found online at Amazon.
Should Lentils Be Soaked Before Cooking?
Lentils do not need to be soaked, especially red split lentils. Red split lentils cook very quickly â just a few minutes.
So, just throw them into the pot with boiling/simmering water and youâre good to go.
Reasons why lentils are a great, quick dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
More Porridge Recipes
Looking for something a little bit different? Be sure to check out our Blueberry Banana Bread, Mushroom Bacon, Chia Seed Pumpkin Muffins, Tofu Scramble, and Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Pancakes.
Tried out this Breakfast Lentils With Cinnamon Brown Sugar recipe?
Please leave a comment below, share it, rate it, or tag a picture @plantbasedandbroke on Instagram and hashtag it #plantbasedandbroke. Show off that creation with us.
Breakfast Red Split Lentils
Ingredients
- 1 cup red split lentils
- 3 cups water/vegan milk
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Πteaspoon nutmeg
- 4 teaspoon brown sugar adjust to preference
- Splash of coconut milk
- Chopped walnuts
Instructions
- In a saucepan or pot over high heat, stir together red split lentils and water/vegan milk.
- Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Once at a boil, lower heat to medium. Cook and stir for 15 minutes, or until creamy and tender.
- Optional: Add your favorite porridge toppings! I added a splash of coconut milk and chopped walnuts.
Notes
- Feel free to use any sweetener of choice and use as much or as little as you prefer.Â
- For a creamier breakfast red split lentils, add a splash of coconut milk.
Vegan Carne Guisada (Meatless âBeefâ Stew)
Sally
Not for me đ„Č. Wanted to love these, but just couldnât get past the lentil taste even with the additional yummy things.
Aly Michell
I understand! Lentils aren't a favorite for everyone!
Vickiy
I wanted to love this recipe, but the jury is still out for me. The nutrition benefits are outstanding. The texture and taste aren't close enough to my favorite quinoa porridge, overnights oats, or cooked oatmeal. I will try adding some nut butter. OK for a new breakfast option and excellent descriptive post.
Aly Michell
Hi Vickiy! Thank you for giving this recipe a try!
Beth
Love them. I put the leftovers in the fridge for tomorrow. I have to try the peanut butter addition next time! And some walnuts or pecans đ
Aly Michell
Thank you for trying out this recipe! Nuts are great addition to breakfast lentils - definitely try it out!
Beth
Walnuts and Cocoa Nibs really took it up a level! I am loving it, lol.
Bethany
I made these and added them to a little cooked oats, coconut flakes and walnuts. They were really good!!!!
Aly Michell
Hey Bethany! Thank you for trying out the recipe! I am glad you loved it. Oats, coconut flakes, and walnuts sounds like an amazing addition!
Christine
This was my first time having sweet lentils and I really loved it! I added some raisins and toasted coconut as well. This will be in my regular rotation for sure. Great way to start the day!
Aly Michell
Oh yes! Thank you for trying the breakfast lentils out! It's definitely a part of my breakfast rotation, too!
Gabrielle Maness
I really appreciate this free content thank you as Iâm transitioning into whole food plant based this is a great start for me so thank you and also a person who loves oatmeal but donât think itâs nutritious enough this is right up my alley
Patricia Clarke
I was looking for an easy way to get more Lentils (fiber) into my diet, and this is definitely the trick. A lot easier than making a big batch of my favourite Lentil soup too. I'm not vegan/vegetarian but what a wonderful way to bulk up on fiber. I added a dribble of Maple Syrup and wow, 2 Thumb's up!!!
Aly Michell
Hi Patricia! Thank you for trying out my breakfast lentils! Definitely a greatway to add more fiber at the start of your day! Glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Chris
Aly this is FANTASTIC!! Thank you!! And yes, peanut butter (or almond) makes it crazy good! Much healthier than oatmeal for those of us removing sugar / managing blood sugar.
Aly Michell
Hey Chris!!!! You're awesome for trying the recipe (and loving it too). Glad it was a hit!
Nikki
Canât wait to try this! I wonder if I could make this in the instant pot instead of in the stove! Any idea?
Aly Michell
Yes, that's totally fine!
Tia
I made this in the âinner potâ of my Instant Pot (with a cup of water in the outer pot, of course). Adjusting times from another recipe I like, I dumped everything in overnight with a delay until 1 hr before breakfast (hoping the end of my very old red lentils would benefit from overnight in liquid), then cooked at high pressure for 20 min. I found my lentils were still too hard for my taste (though the taste was perfect). But againâthey were ancient, so I knew they werenât going to cook as fast as they should. Note for those who want to use ancient lentils in the back of he fridge/pantry as I did: If you really want to go mushy, give âem as much time as an hour if you want. You wonât burn them in a pressure cooker as long as your outer pot still has water!
Tia
Oh! Also: If making this in a pressure cooker, remember to cover your inner cook pot with foil to prevent the recipe from getting soupy with all the steam/water landing in it!
Ari
Canned or refrigerated coconut milk or does it make a difference?
Aly Michell
Either is fine!
Carlos
Is it possible to make this recipe in bulk and keep it in the fridge? If so, how long can I keep it in the fridge? I would like to eat this daily, but don't have the time to cook it up every morning. I also add peanut butter for extra flavour and healthy fats.
Thanks,
Carlos
Aly Michell
Yes, that's fine. To reheat, warm in a saucepan and add a touch of water or coconut milk to thin out the breakfast lentils a bit. It'll keep for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Also, peanut butter sounds like a delicious addition!
EJ
This is SO GOOD! Thank you for creating this recipe. I will definitely make it again đ
Aly Michell
Glad you loved it!
Eric S.
I am very excited about this breakfast dish. I have been avoiding oats lately with all these glyphosate problems and this might just do the trick! I can't wait to make this.
plantbasedandbroke
I hope you love. It's a great alternative to oats, for sure. Let me know if you like it and definitely let me know if you have any feedback! đ
Casey
I am currently following the original South Beach P1 and cannot have oatmeal for 2 weeks. Very excited about this recipe.
Aly Michell
Glad the recipe will be coming in handy, then! Let me know how you like it when you try it. ^_^