GREEN LENTILS

PureAndHealthy

So... a year or so ago I bought this bag of organic green lentils and thus far they've swung around my lazy susan several hundred times, been picked up a few times, but honestly, I have no idea what to do with them. I normally eat very little meat so I really struggle with protein, B vitamins, and iron and heard lentils are a great option. So, can anybody give me some ideas? How are they cooked? Do you make them as a side dish or put in stews? Like rice? Do you soak them overnight like beans? Help please!

arewethereyet

Lentils cook up fairly fast, as opposed to other beans. No need to soak them over night.

I make lentil soup. Really simple.

There might even be a recipe on the bag!!:flowerforyou:

arewethereyet

INGREDIENTS
1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups dry lentils
8 cups water
1/2 cup spinach, rinsed and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vinegar
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste


( I make it with and without the spinach)


DIRECTIONS
In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; cook and stir until onion is tender. Stir in garlic, bay leaf, oregano, and basil; cook for 2 minutes.
Stir in lentils, and add water and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve stir in spinach, and cook until it wilts. Stir in vinegar, and season to taste with salt and pepper, and more vinegar if desired.

PureAndHealthy

Mmmm... sounds good! Do you have the nutritional info on it?

Oh and sadly, there are no recipes on the bag. I checked.

ldbenincasa

I love allrecipes.com. I just did a quick search for lentils in vegetarian recipes and this is what came up. HTH! http://allrecipes.com/Search/Ingredients.aspx?WithTerm=&SearchIn=h87&Wanted1=lentils

steinbergshal

At my job we make both a lentil loaf, and a lentil burger that work as great meat substitutes. I will try to grab the recipe tomorrow and post for you. I love the lentil loaf with vegan onion gravy instead of meatloaf.