Lentil Carrot Hot Dogs are made from red lentils, carrots, and spices shaped into hot dog form! They are vegan and protein-rich vegan veggie dogs.
When I first started experimenting with plant-based recipes, I realized I missed the comfort foods I grew up with. Hot dogs were one of them.
They weren't something I ate every day, but at summer cookouts, family get-togethers, or ball games, they always showed up.
Most store-bought vegan hot dogs either tasted rubbery or had ingredient lists that read like a chemistry experiment.
So I decided to make my own.
These lentil carrot hot dogs are made with real ingredients: red lentils, carrots, onion, flour, and simple spices.
They don't try to mimic meat, but they do deliver on the smoky, savory, satisfying flavors that make a hot dog so enjoyable.
The texture is soft but holds its shape well when cooked. You can grill, fry, or bake them. They fit into buns just like regular hot dogs and pair perfectly with mustard, ketchup, onions, Pickled Red Onion or sauerkraut.
They're kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and budget-friendly.
If you want a plant-based hot dog recipe you can feel good about serving, this is it.
They're perfect for a picnic or party alongside Mini Lentil Tacos, Zucchini Chips and Vegetarian Sausage Skillet Pizza.
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Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Works for cookouts, quick dinners, or lunchboxes.
- Uses everyday ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
- Naturally vegan and nut-free.
- Kid-friendly flavor and texture.
- Customizable with different spices.
- Budget-friendly compared to store-bought vegan sausages.
- Freezer-friendly for meal prep.
Ingredient List
- Olive oil (again for shaping). Keeps the mixture from sticking when rolling.
- Red lentils. These give body and protein. Green lentils won't work the same way.
- Vegetable stock. Adds flavor while cooking lentils. You can use water if needed.
- Olive oil. For cooking onions and keeping the dough moist. Sunflower or canola oil works too.
- Onion. Adds depth and savoriness. Shallots or leeks could be swapped in.
- Carrots. A touch of sweetness and color. Zucchini or sweet potato are alternatives.
- Smoked paprika. The smoky flavor makes these taste closer to grilled sausages. Regular paprika works, but smoked is better.
- Garlic powder. Easy, consistent flavor. Fresh garlic can be used but may change the texture.
- Salt and pepper. Basic seasoning to bring everything together.
- Flour. Binds the mixture. Use gluten-free all-purpose blend if you want it gluten-free.
Lentil Recipes
If you love these veggie dogs and have more lentils to use up, try these lentil recipes and find out more about Red Lentils.
How to make vegan dogs
You don't need to turn to processed store bought veggie dogs. They're really easy to make yourself and taste delicious.
Then you just need to cook the lentils, fry the onion and then whiz it all up on a food processor or blender! Shape it into hot dog shapes, chill them and then fry. Voila vegan hot dogs that taste delicious!
Serve them in hot dog buns, or you could even try them in milk rolls or fun bread shapes!
Variations
- Roll in breadcrumbs before cooking for a crispy crust.Get the recipe
- Add finely chopped mushrooms for an umami boost.
- Swap carrots for grated sweet potato.
- Use curry powder instead of smoked paprika for a spiced version.
- Mix in chopped spinach or kale for extra greens.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Stir in a tablespoon of soy sauce for deeper flavor.
- Try oat flour instead of wheat flour for a different binder.
- Shape into burger patties instead of hot dogs.
- Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Advice
- Store cooked hot dogs in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat by pan-frying, baking, or microwaving.
- Freeze uncooked shaped hot dogs on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep for up to 3 months.
- Cook from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.
- For meal prep, make a double batch and freeze half for busy weeks.
Recipe Tips
- Don't skip smoked paprika. It makes the flavor more "hot dog like."
- Cook lentils until very soft so they blend smoothly.
- Let the mixture cool slightly before adding flour so it holds together better.
- Oil your hands when shaping the hot dogs to prevent sticking.
- Pan-fry on medium heat so they cook through without burning.
Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out for you!
Leave a comment and star rating below and share a picture on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #veggiedesserts.
📖 Recipe
Lentil Carrot Veggie Hot Dogs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils 200g, rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable stock (700ml)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 onion finely diced
- 2 carrots (125g) grated
- 1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper
- 1 + ¼ cups plain (all purpose) flour (150g)
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the lentils in the stock for 10 minutes or until tender, then drain.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat, then add the onion and sautee for a few minutes until translucent but not browned. Add the grated carrot and sautee for 3-5 minutes until soft.
- Add the cooked lentils, carrot mixture, spices, salt and pepper to a food processor and whiz until it's thick and well combined.
- Tip the mixture into a bowl and mix in 3 tablespoons of the flour. Add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until a thick and manageable consistency. You may not need all of the flour.
- Roll into hot dog-like shapes, place on a plate, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a frying pan over a medium/low heat and add some of the hot dogs. Fry, gently turning often, until golden. Repeat in batches.
- Serve in a hot dog bun.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
JJ says
Texture is doughy and soft but flavour was good
Manuh says
I've not made these yet but will do a trial run for a vegetarian friend I'll have over on the weekend. For a lentil veggie burger I tried, I read a comment that adding cooked pasta to the lentils below blending can really help with keeping the shape. worked beautifully for the burhers. I will try that here at well.
Ray J says
I would appreciate it if the moderator would stop deleting my negative comment. I like the idea but I tried two times to make this and in both cases the mixture was a wet mess that could not be shaped in anyway.
Sasha says
We had the same issue. We added more flour and they just tasted like dough then 🙁
RJ says
I really like the idea, but I tried 2 times and the recipe did not turn out well either time. In both cases the mixture in no way resembled anything shape-able. The first time I used split red lentils, and I think I overcooked them / used too much liquid. But the second time I used canned brown lentils, which are more firm and less liquidy, and I had the same problem. Adding more flour only made it taste like flour. Too bad. Maybe if I baked the lentils to dry them out it would work better but not sure it's worth another effort.
Ni says
Are you using the liquid with the lentils or draining them completely minus any liquids?
Mer says
I replaced the carrots with green peas (which I had leftover from dinner) and used green lentils. I did fry them. Tasty with BBQ sauce.
spencer says
these look amazing and i’m excited to try, but i was wondering why red lentils? only ask because i have green right now and just want to save myself a trip to the store if i can 😅
Kate Hackworthy says
Hi, green work too! You'll likely just need to cook them a bit longer and check on them.
mimi says
A recipe definitely worth keeping. Nice taste. They also hold their shape once in the frying pan and in the bun.
Pongodhall says
Wonderful recipe and tasty, healthy sausages to expand my repertoire. Thank you 💐
Keira Peterson says
Turned out okay. Not the easiest, but nice that it wasn't all processed like store bought veggie dogs.
Ben Myhre says
I am not a vegetarian or a vegan, but I will always try food like this. This has such good flavor! Thanks for sharing and putting in the work to bring this recipe to us.
Michelle says
This was perfect! We recently switched to a vegetarian diet and my daughter used to love hot dogs, I'm not keen on the processed veggie options so I suprised her with these! Great!
Rona says
As carrots are different sizes, how many grams would you need for this recipe please
Kate Hackworthy says
Hi, it's 125g. I've updated the post!
Zee says
Excellent recipe! These are easy to make and taste great =)
Lauren Vavala says
This is such a unique recipe! I've had veggie dogs but now I loved to make my own - great recipe!
Charlie says
Hi, could I cook these in the oven instead of frying, for a healthier version? Thanks
Kate Hackworthy says
Hi, that should work fine, but I haven't tried it. Perhaps at 200C/400F or a bit cooler and keep checking on them as I'm not sure how long for. Maybe 30 minutes? Please let me know how you get on with them in the oven!
Angela R says
Really good. Tried these for dinner because my daughter is now vegetarian. We all really liked them. They're not the same as meat hot dogs but tasted very good as veggie dogs. I liked the texutre.
Naga says
I was looking for this. My dude lives hotdog but he has gone vege with me. Will definitely try.
Taylor W. says
Such a creative recipe! Perfect for meatless Monday!
Mandi says
Can you freeze these cooked? Just would make prep easier to have some to just pull out and warm in the oven. Thanks.
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
These look so delicious, I definitely need to give these a try with the kids!
Eva Katona says
I love all the food you create - you have fantastic recipes! But this is something I was actually looking to make for a long time but I oculdn't find a good recipe for this. Will try it on the weekend.
Emily Leary says
These look delicious!! I had no idea you could make lentil hot dogs like this. I need to give it a go.
Kathy says
I can't wait to try these!! I haven't had hotdogs for so long as the vegetarian ones aren't gluten-free.
Kara says
These look like the perfect winter warmer for firework night
Rhian westbury says
These look really tasty and much like a meat hot dog. I bet the lentils and carrots gave it a good texture x
Elizabeth says
Those are super clever! I bet they're much better than those carrot veggie dogs I've seen out there. Genius!
Rebecca Smith says
This sounds absolutely delicious. I definitely need to give these a try
Charli says
These sound utterly delicious! I love using lentils as a meat substitute but I've never thought of blending them before.
C x
Lola says
Love this combo for a healthy Veggie Dog. What do you think would have if the wheat flour was substituted for oat flour? Or a mix of oat and coconut flour perhaps? Any recommendations for an alternative to wheat flour? Sorry if this has already been answered. Thanks for the inspiration!
Kate Hackworthy says
Hi, either of those should work. You may need a little more or less, so add less than the required amount and add more if needed to make it workable but not too stiff.
Dems Banjo says
Wow! this looks good and healthy. I am going to try it out, though my children may not like it. Thanks for the recipe.
Nichole says
How long do these last in the fridge or freezer? About to make a batch of these. Can't wait to try them!!!
Kate Hackworthy says
Hi Nichole, they should be fine in the fridge for 3 days and in the freezer for a month.
I hope you enjoy them!
Kate 🙂
Barb says
We enjoyed your recipe after lots of looking this was the simplest using real ingredients. My daughters favorite food is lentils. So I knew she would approve. We used lots more spice than you called for. But that might just be our tastes. We live in Wisconsin. We are pretty serious about our dogs! Pics etc https://www.facebook.com/741558457/posts/10155855318448458/
Kate Hackworthy says
I'm so pleased that you like the recipe! Thanks for sharing pictures of it 🙂
Anthony Osude says
My girlfriend has become vegetarian recently and this went down a treat. Thanks for sharing.
Jack Smith says
I will give this a try. I going to see if I can fool my kids. thanks
Kate Hackworthy says
I hope they enjoy them!
Teri Stephens says
This is so creative, and I bet they taste delicious. Fun way to get the young ones to embrace the veggies. Great pics, too.
Juli says
I want to reach through the screen. This lentil carrot hotdogs sound so good. I have all of the ingredients, I am going to make these for my kiddos this evening. pinning!
Stacey L says
They were a bit wet so I added more flour and they worked well. Looked good and tasted good too.
Carlee says
They really do look delicious and so much healthier than the real thing. They'd be fun to try!
georgie says
what a creative recipe! I'm always looking for new vegetarian ideas! must try this!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
I have to say that this recipe really intrigues me. Mainly because I do not like hot dogs. I bet I would love this though, so I'm going to make them two ways - one with the paprika and garlic powder and one without. As I do not want it to mimic a hot dog for me. I really am looking forward to trying your recipe. They look fun to eat and I miss eating hot dog buns!