Lentils are a universally loved pantry staple. Whether as a single featured ingredient or combined with other components in a dish, there is no denying the importance of this nutritional powerhouse in many cultures. Lentils feature prominently in traditional dal, mixed with rice for South Indian pancake batter, simmered with meat and vegetables for hearty one-pot meals, mixed with vegetables, fruits and herbs in salads, and form the base of countless soups. These recipes will take you around the world, featuring perhaps the world’s most beloved legume.