It's time to get real about lentils. Let's face it. Most people think lentils are bland, boring, mushy little rounds that can only detract from a plate. And the fact that they're highly rich in fiber, folate, iron, and protein often just isn't enough to get the interest of many people.

But lentils really are awesome! They can shine all on their own, or they can substitute for other ingredients (even beef!) for those that cling to their vegetarian diets or those who are simply looking to add some health benefits into their day to day. I highly encourage everyone to give lentils a shot, because they just might be surprised at how delicious, not to mention filling, they can be. And if you're just starting to venture out into the world of lentils, here are seven ideas for you to try.

Traditionally it's the pinto bean that is the star of the show in any refried beans dish. And pinto beans bring their own health benefits to the table. But if you don't have any on hand, or you just want to try something different, use lentils in place of the pinto beans and be amazed at just how creamy this side can be.

To make it, saute a chopped onion, chopped jalapeño, cumin, and minced garlic with some olive oil in a heavy frying pan. Add a can of brown lentils that has been drained and rinsed and saute until soft; it should only take a few minutes. Then just puree it, add salt and pepper, and get ready to enjoy refried beans like you never have before!

For those that have tried lentils before, there's a very good chance that they've had them in a soup. Lentil soup is delicious, and one of the most popular ways to enjoy this delicious legume.

Start making lentil soup by sautéing chopped onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and zucchini in a tablespoon or so of olive oil. Add 2 cups of lentils, 8 cups of your favorite broth, and one 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes. Add whatever seasonings you like (although thyme, cumin, parsley, and bay leaves work exceptionally well) and season with salt and pepper. Bring it to a boil then reduce the heat and allow to simmer for about 45 minutes.

While the name might be difficult to pronounce, this dish couldn't be simpler. Start with rice and layer cooked lentils and caramelized onions on top. Top off with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt and then dig in!

Not sure how to caramelize onions? Melt butter in a heavy frying pan and add two to three onions that have been sliced. Keeping the frying pan over very low heat, cook and stir the onions until they are a deep brown but are not sautéed or burnt. The process should take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how many onions you use.

Green and red lentils are known for holding their shape especially well, which makes them ideal for using in salads. Boil 1 1/2 cups of these types of lentils until they are tender. Drain and add them to sautéed red onions, roasted red peppers, and wilted spinach. For the dressing whisk together 1/2 cup red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, and salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad while still warm and enjoy!

If you just want a quick boost of all those health benefits, you can also toss cooked red or green lentils to any salad of your choosing!

Don't understand how a simple legume can replace hearty beef in your favorite dishes? Try pureeing them into a pasta sauce or leaving them whole as an option for vegan Sloppy Joes. You can even used cooked lentils as a taco filling so you can still enjoy taco night. It may be hard to imagine that a legume that has gotten a reputation as being bland and boring can take the place of beef, but just try it and you'll see.

Lentil Sloppy Joes can be made by boiling 1 cup of lentils with 3 cups of water that has tomato paste, tomato sauce, and Sriracha added. For taco fillings, lentils can simply be boiled or sautéed with taco spices before being stuffed into taco shells.

Lentil hummus definitely puts a new spin on this party favorite. Cook a cup of lentils until they are tender and then puree them with tahini, chopped garlic cloves, lemon juice and olive oil. To make it even more interesting you can add your favorite seasonings including cumin, paprika, cilantro, or parsley and of course, season it with salt and pepper. Then just put out a big bowl with pita chips or raw veggies on the side and just watch how quickly people eat it up!

Roasted lentils? Really? It's true. Why should chickpeas and edamame beans get all the credit when it comes to roasted legumes? Roasted lentils are delicious, and a super easy snack to make!

To do it, cook one cup of lentils just until they are tender. Drain and spread out on paper towels to dry. Then toss them in a little bit of olive oil and seasonings such as onion powder, garlic powder, curry powder, dried oregano, red chili flakes, or cayenne pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in a 425 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the lentils are crispy. Stir regularly so that the lentils will roast evenly and then enjoy your new and super healthy snack!

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