These Trader Joe’s Whole Green Lentils are one of those pantry items I didn’t fully appreciate until I made soup with them one rainy afternoon and realized, “Oh... wait... these are kind of amazing.”
No soaking. No babysitting. Just rinse, simmer, and boom—you’ve got a hearty, fiber-packed base for basically anything. I used them to make a super simple soup with carrots, celery, and a scoop of tomato paste (plus garlic, of course), and it turned out so flavorful and cozy I felt like I should’ve been wearing a chunky knit sweater while eating it.
They cook quickly, don’t turn mushy, and somehow make me feel like I’ve got my life together when I toss them into a meal. Which—if you’ve seen my kitchen at 5:30pm—is a total illusion. But I’ll take it.
What makes these lentils special?
They’re not pre-cooked or canned—just classic dried green lentils. But they don’t need to be soaked ahead of time, which already makes them a win in my book. I usually just give them a rinse and toss them right into simmering broth, and they soften up in about 20–25 minutes.
The flavor is nutty and earthy but not overpowering. And they hold their shape really well, so they work great in soups, stews, and even salads if you want to go that route. I usually make a big pot of lentil soup and save half for leftovers or freeze a few portions for later.
If you want something quicker but still lentil-y, Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils in the refrigerated section are also good for tossing into salads and wraps—but the whole green dried ones give you more flexibility and that homemade feel.
How I cook them
I mostly use these for soup, but they’re so versatile. You can:
- Cook them in broth with herbs for a simple side dish
- Mix into veggie bowls with roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, and Trader Joe’s Zhoug Sauce
- Use as a filling for wraps or tacos with some feta and tahini
- Stir into pasta sauce for extra texture and fiber (yes I’ve done it, no regrets)
Also worth mentioning: they’re packed with fiber and plant-based protein, so they’re great for anyone trying to sneak more of that into their meals (hi, it’s me). One cup of cooked lentils has about 15 grams of fiber and 18 grams of protein, which is kind of amazing for a little legume.
My tip? Make double.
I always make more than I need and keep extras in the fridge for the week. They’re perfect to toss into scrambled eggs (don’t knock it), or to bulk up a salad when you’re tired of just lettuce and cucumbers.
I also love that they’re super affordable. You get a full one-pound bag for just a few bucks, and that bag goes a long way. Compared to pricier plant-based options like pre-cooked quinoa or frozen grain blends, these lentils are kind of the unsung budget hero of the pantry.
Where to find them
They’re usually on the bottom shelf of the dry goods aisle at Trader Joe’s, near the other beans, rice, and grains. Sometimes they’re easy to miss, but once you know they’re there, you’ll always grab a bag. I usually keep one in the pantry at all times.
Similar products
If you like these lentils, you might also want to try:
- Trader Joe’s Organic Split Peas – great for soup and cook up quickly
- Trader Joe’s Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli – for fiber-rich meals with a pasta twist
- Trader Joe’s Organic Chickpeas – another great pantry staple for soups and stews
Final thoughts
I honestly think these lentils are one of Trader Joe’s most underrated pantry staples. They’re healthy, easy to cook, and endlessly versatile. I’ve used them in everything from quick weeknight soups to hearty lunch bowls, and they’ve never let me down.
Plus, there’s something kind of comforting about simmering a pot of lentils on the stove while the rest of the world is doing whatever it’s doing. They just feel grounding. Cozy. Affordable. Delicious.
If you don’t have a bag of these in your pantry yet, grab one next time you’re at the store. You’ll thank yourself later—especially when dinner needs to happen and you don’t want to soak anything for twelve hours.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 out of 5 – pantry MVP status)
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