Lentils
Lentils are your ultimate "no plan, still fed" ingredient. They're fast, forgiving, and soak up flavour like sponges. Whether you're building a veggie Bolognese, stirring together a quick dhal, or bulking out a tray of roasted veg, lentils show up. The tinned and pouch versions require zero prep—just heat and go. They’re rich, hearty, and play beautifully with sausages, chicken, fish or flavour bombs like miso, pesto, or curry paste. For anyone with ADHD, they're a no-stress way to build a full, nourishing meal in under 15 minutes.
Why is it good for ADHD?
The core to ADHD nutrition is eating ingredients that give you long lasting energy with a good balance of protein, complex carbs and nutrients. Lentils have them all in abundance:
- Complex Carbohydrates – Lentils release energy slowly, helping maintain blood sugar stability and keeping your focus steady.
- High in Fibre – Aids digestion and keeps you full for longer—ideal for avoiding crashes or impulsive snack spirals.
- Plant Protein – A great meat-free protein source to support mood, cognition, and energy.
- Rich in Iron, Folate & Magnesium – All essential nutrients for brain health and neurotransmitter regulation.
Different Types & Cuts
- Green Lentils – Hearty and firm. Great in salads, stews, and anything needing texture.
- Red Lentils – Soft and fast-cooking. Ideal for soups, curries, and sauces.
- Beluga (Black) Lentils – Tiny and glossy. Keep their shape, perfect in bowls or with roasted veg.
- Tinned – Cooked and ready to use. Just rinse.
- Pouched – Pre-cooked and often seasoned. Great for speed.
- Dried – Best for big batches or slow-cook dishes.
Buying Tips
- For no-prep days, choose tinned or pouch lentils—look for ones without added sugar or preservatives.
- Red lentils break down more easily, great for sauces or dhal. Green and black hold their shape.
- Find budget tins in the world food aisle—same lentils, better price.
- Most supermarkets have own brand lentil pouches or you can pick up a premium brand like merchant's Choice. Just check the ingredients and make sure they are all natural.
Storage Tips
- Tinned/pouch: Once opened, store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. Use within 3 days.
- Dried lentils: Store in a sealed jar in a cool, dark cupboard. Will keep for months.
- Cooked dried lentils freeze well. Freeze in portions for quick weekday meals.
Prep Tips
- Tinned/pouch: No prep needed. Heat gently and flavour to taste.
- Dried: No soaking required. Simmer red lentils ~15 mins, green/beluga ~25–30 mins until tender.
- Cook big batches and portion for fridge/freezer use.
- Add seasoning early—lentils absorb flavour best as they cook.
Related Recipes
Use the search below below to find recipes with the same ingredients.
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