Lentils

Canderson58054

I've heard lentils are good for you, but I've never had them! What do you use them in? Anyone know any GOOD recipes?

JerseyGirlMomof4

I have not looked up the nutrient details on it, but one of our family favorites is Aarti Sequeira's "Mum's everyday lentils".

I am sure you can google it as she has a version on foodtv.com (a more simplified version) and on her Blog aartipaarti.com (a more traditional version)

strawberrytoast

Lentil soup is the tastiest soup ever (but it makes you fart like a trouper) lol

Lentils boiled in water and drained, add grated carrots, turnip and onion and a few ham stock cubes. Sorted!
Or you can put actual ham in it to make it tastier. You have been warned about the wind :laugh:

JerseyGirlMomof4

If you add a little Hing (aka Asafoetida) to your lentils it will counter act the side effects.

Hing can be found in most Asian (Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi) Markets or online. It is a natural resin from a tree so a lot better for you than some of the chemical anti-gas medications.

It has a slightly oniony flavor and it STINKS (like a preteen boy) until it is cooked. You also only need to use a dash (1/8tsp) for 4-6 people!

So, if you decide to purchase some my only advise is to seal it in a small mason jar to keep it from stinking up your pantry!

fastforlife1

Lentils do not make you fart like regular beans - they have much less (sulpher?) - whatever the fart ingredient is lol. They also take less time to cook, and they are high protein and moderate carb.
Delicious Curried Chicken Soup
I cover about 4 chicken thighs or 2 chicken hindquartes without skin (or you can use a whole chicken or left over bones with some meat) with water, salt, and boil for about an hour in a large to medium pot. I then add the lentils. About 1 cup lentils and 1 cup water is good. 1 potato diced, 1 onion diced, 2-4 tablespoons curry powder (add less if you don't like things to spicey), 1/2 cup raisens, 1 tablespoon chicken bullion, and 2 tablespoons of diced ginger.
Simmer about 30-40 minutes. Pick out chicken bones (I leave the chicken bones in till the end because they add calcium, magnesium, and flavor.). You can add water if needed if you like a thinner soup (I do). I like to serve it with a big dollop of full fat plain yogurt.
It's really really good and only about 300 calories for a big bowl.

emtjmac

Never had them... but I'd like to.

lizsmith1976

This is the BEST recipe. So easy, so good. I make huge batches and freeze. It's so filling because of the protein and fiber, but ridiculously low-cal. Sometimes I make it for boys who refuse to eat food that doesn't have meat in it, so I add shredded chicken, and they love it. For a completely vegetarian option, can switch the chicken broth to veg broth.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/lentil-soup-2/

Keiko385

I saute up some onions with mine, and top them off with a little salsa...cheap and easy dinner

megziejo

Bump

donnat871

The Looneyspoons cookbook has a great recipe called Lentili Chili made with lentils. I just started eating lentils and find them fantastic - not the same texture as beans. They do not give you gas like beans. I plan to start cooking with lentils regularly.

AnjaZ89

i love Menestra, its a typical dish here in Ecuador.
It's usually served with white rice, fried ripe plantains, avocado slices and grilled chicken breast or a steak or fish or just a fried egg..
Pretty easy to make and I like to make a whole lot of it and freeze it!

300g dry lentils
1 big onion, chopped
2-3 really ripe tomatoes, chopped (or for convenience tomatoe paste)
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
salt, a tiny little bit of cumin

1. put the lentils into a huge sauce pan, cover with water and let sit over night
2. take your sauce pan, add about 1-1.5inches water (or if you like it more liquid go for even more) and boil for 1 hour
3. heat a bit of oil in a small sauce pan, put onions, tomatoes and garlic in and cook for about 20min stirring occasionally or till not that chunky anymore
4. add salt and cumin
5. add tomatoe mix to lentils and cook for 45min
6. taste and if needed add more tomatoe paste. thats what I usually do, cause it changes the taste A LOT.
(some people even add red bell pepper, chopped cilantro and bacon to it)

and here pic of it. doesnt look that yummy but i assure you it is!

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd241/tototo84/DSC02167.jpg

hope you enjoy it

AuntieMC

bump

LemonSnap

Oh yes, hippie food. A staple from the 60s and 70s. Use them in everything to replace mince meat: burgers, soups, spag bol, lasagne. They are delicious.

Skinny_minny_mo

look for indian lentil recipes. super easy to make. and super yum!

jenilla1

...and it STINKS (like a preteen boy) until it is cooked.

:laugh: OMG! You made my day. :laugh:

toriaenator

super tasty! i just mix with quinoa or other stuff and use as a base for stirfries or whatever im eating! or else you can make soup.

rainghirl

I make lentil dhal with them - it's similar to Anja's recipe above, but has chilli and coriander in it, and sometimes no tomatoes. It's supposed to be dressed with onion fried in ghee, but I don't do that bit, as nice as it is. I have that with chapatis or rice.

I'll definitely be trying the Ecuador recipe though, sounds delicious.

BelindaDuvessa

This is by far my favorite recipe that uses lentils. It's one of the few meatless dishes that my husband will willingly eat. Lentil are also great to throw into most soups and stews.



Black Bean, Lentil, and Brown Rice Burrito Fillin'

Introduction
Awesome meat-free, protein and fiber packed filling for tacos or burritos. Can also be eaten alone with a little fat free sour cream and cheese on top. Adapted from ANEWONE's lentils and rice recipe.

Minutes to Prepare: 10
Minutes to Cook: 40
Number of Servings: 6

Ingredients
3/4 canned black beans, rinsed
3/4 dry pink lentils
3/4 dry brown rice
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
3 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
1/4 cup salsa
1 tbsp taco seasoning


Directions
Mix all ingredients and bring to a boil in a large saucepan. Lower heat and let simmer about forty minutes, or until rice is cooked through.

Makes six approximately 1 cup servings.

Number of Servings: 6

sarahslim100

Jaimie oliver has a few good recipes on his website

tubbyelmo

I make a fabulously tasty lentil soup (so Scottish!!) and I now throw a generous handful in when making chili, bolognese, curry, in fact I hide them everywhere for extra fiber. My Granny was in service as a cook in a "big house" for Scottish landed gentry, she taught me how to make my soups, broths, etc.

1 cup red split lentils, 1 cup diced carrot, 1 onion chopped, 1 large potato diced (I use Maris Piper variety because it boils down nicely to thicken the soup, it's a very dry floury potato when it's baked) 1 parsnip chopped, chopped leek, chopped turnip (last three are optional but always nice to have plenty veg) couple of ham stock cubes (try to find reduced salt ones) and boiling water. Throw it all in a pot, boil, them simmer for about 35 minutes, then TASTY!! You can add some spices/herbs to suit your taste. Sometimes I add some diced bacon/gammon if I have it in the fridge.

Life without lentils would be unbearable for my weekly meal planning!!!

marikevr

The only thing I really cook with lentils is a curry lentil soup. But I do add lentils to any minced beef dish for the fibre and to bulk it up. I taught my add kids to eat lentils by adding more and more of it to rice.

shelbyfrootcake

There are loads of good dhal recipes online. I love dhal.

Sambar is (a spicy side dish of lentils and tamarind) is also something I highly recommend.

veggiebound

Canderson5805, Thanks for asking this question. I've noted down 3 recipes to try on that bag of lentils that has been sitting in my cupboard for ages

AlwaysBigSteve

Lentils are not just good for soup, they make awesome awesome burrito filling. I love lentils because they are easy to cook. You don't even have to soak them like normal beans (but some people do, and that's cool too)

I'll eat lentils in everything, they are such a great bonus in any recipe I make. My wife likes to put meat in however I think they stand in for meat very well. I read someone else talk about lentils and quinoa, now that's a great meal. Many good workouts have been had fueled by that combo. Lentil chili is exquisite.

Try them, you'll love them.

MollDoll81

http://www.wisebread.com/25-tasty-and-cheap-lentil-recipes

I JUST found that post yesterday- looks like it has a lot of great ideas.

phoenixgirl81

There are literally HUNDREDS of recipes you can make with lentils. Here are some of my favourites:

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Spiced Red Lentil and Coconut Soup


Energy: 264cal
Protein: 13.6g
Fat: 6.8g (1g saturated)
Cholesterol: 0mg
Calcium: 96mg
Fibre: 4.1g
Sodium: 134mg


Ingredients:

30ml/2 Tbsp sunflower or peanut oil
2 red onions, finely chopped
1 birds' eye chilli, seeded and finely sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2.5cm/1 inch piece of fresh lemongrass, outer layers remoced and inside finely sliced
200g red lentils, rinsed
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp paprika
400ml coconut milk
900ml water
juice of 1 lime
3 spring onions, chopped
20g fresh coriander, finely chopped
salt and ground black pepper

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a large pan and add the onions, chilli, garlic and lemongrass. Cook for 5 minutes or until the onions have softened but not browned, stirring occasionally.

2. Add the lentils and spices. Pour in the coconut milk and water, and stir until well mixed. Bring to the boil, stir, then reduce the heat and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until the lentils are soft and mushy.

3. Pour in the lime juice and add the spring 0nions and fresh coriander, reserving a lettle of each for the garnish. Season, then ladle into bowls. Garnish with the reserved spring onions and coriander.

Source: Hill, S. (2007). The Beans & Pulses Cookbook, Southwater: London, p. 36

Serves: 4



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Egg and Lentil Curry


Admittedly this is a little "expensive" on the calorie side, but it IS delicious. IT is also good without the eggs, especially as a side dish to a more dry dish or served over rice.

Energy: 583 cal
Protein: 14.4g
Carbohydrate: 87.3g
Fat: 15.9g (saturated fat: 3.5g)
Cholesterol: 8mg
Calcium: 196mg
Fibre: 3.2g
Sodium: 131mg


Ingredients:

1.5 cups of green lentils
3 cups vegetable stock
6 free-range eggs
2 Tbsp oil
2-3 cloves
1/4tsp black peppercorns
1 onion, finely chopped
2 green chillies, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2.5cm/1 inch piece of fresh root ginger, peeled and chopped
2 Tbsp curry paste (can use Thai red curry paste if you want)
400g can of chopped tomatoes
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp garam masala

Method:

1. Wash the lentils thoroughly under cold running water. Put the lentils in a large, heavy pan with the vegetable stock. Cover and simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until the lentils are soft. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the eggs in boiling water for 10 minutes. Remove from the boiling water and set aside to cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, peel and cut in half lengthways.

3. Heatthe oil in a large frying pan and fry the cloves and peppercorns for about 2 minutes. Add the onion, chillies, garlic and ginger, and fry the mixture for a further 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently.

4. Stir in the curry paste and fry for a further 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

5. Add the chopped tomatoes and sugar and stir in 175ml of water. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Add the boiled eggs, drained lentils and garam masala. Cover and simmer for a further 1o minutes, then serve.

Source: Hill, S. (2007). The Beans & Pulses Cookbook, Southwater: London, p. 69

Serves: 4


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I haven't done the nutritional breakdown for this one yet, but it shouldn't be too bad. It's great for a cold winter's night!


Golden Lentil Stew

Ingredients:

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Small/Medium Yellow Onions, Roughly Chopped (2 Cups)
2 Leeks, Roughly Chopped (2 Cups)
8 Stalks Celery, Diced (1 Cup)
4 – 6 Carrots, Diced (1 Cup)
2 Cloves Garlic, Finely Minced
2 Tablespoons Yellow Curry Powder
1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
1 Teaspoon Sweet Paprika
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
2 Cups Split Yellow Daal (Lentils)
1/2 Cup Uncooked White Rice
1 x 400g Can Crushed Tomato
2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
6 – 8 Cups Vegetable Stock, or More if Desired
1 1/2 Teaspoons SaltFreshly Ground Black Pepper

4 Cups Broccoli Florets, Par Cooked from Fresh or Frozen
1 Cup Frozen Peas

Method:

1. In a large stockpot over medium heat, get the oil nice and hot, and saute the onions, leeks, celery, carrots, and garlic, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, until the onions are translucent and all the veggies are tender.

2. Add in the herbs and spices, and cook for another 10 minutes to let the flavors begin to mingle.

3. At this stage, you can go ahead and introduce your dry lentils and rice, as well as the tomatos, vinegar, and 6 cups of the vegetable stock. Cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the stew to simmer, adding in more stock if it threatens to dry out and burn, for about 1 hour, until the lentils are cooked through.

4. Give it a taste, add in the salt and pepper, taste again, and adjust the seasonings if desired.

5. Toss in the frozen veggies, kill the heat, and just stir them through the mixture to thaw. Allow 5 minutes for this last round of veg to come up to temperature. Add in the remaining amount of stock if it’s too thick for your tastes, and even more if you’d prefer something soupier. Serve piping hot!


Source: http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/warming-from-the-inside-out/

Serves: 8-10 (good for taking to work the next day)


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Spicy Pumpkin and Lentil Tagine


This dish takes around 15 minutes to prepare, and about 40 minutes to cook, but is worth it.

Per serve: 775kJ (185cal); Protein 5g; Total Fat 11g; Saturated Fat 1g; Carbohydrate 14g; Total Sugars 9g; Sodium 170mg; Potassium 750mg; Calcium 60mg; Iron 2.1mg; Fibre 4g.


Ingredients:


1 tbsp sunflower oil
1 brown onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground sumac
1 tsp ground coriander
¼ tsp ground chilli (optional)
420g can low salt diced tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
½ tsp sugar
¼ cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
¼ cup coriander leaves, chopped
400g can brown lentils (drained and rinsed)
600g butternut pumpkin, seeded and chopped into 2cm pieces

Method:


1. Heat oil in a large saucepan, add the onion and cook over low heat until softened. Add the garlic, cook for a few seconds, then stir in the ground spices. Cook for 30 seconds, add the tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, half the parsley and coriander.

2. Add the lentils and chopped pumpkin, stir well, then cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.

3. Sprinkle with remaining parsley and coriander to serve.

4. Serve with couscous with currants and almonds.


Source: http://www.vegetarianweek.com.au/HealthyEatingTips/Recipes/Spicy-Pumpkin-and-Lentil-Tagine.aspx


Serves: 4-6.

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Lentil Cottage Pie:

Haven't done the nutritional breakdown for this one.

This recipe is DELICIOUS! It's great to take to work as it reheats well, and you can even cook it in individual rammikins if you wish. Definitely goes down well.


Ingredients:

800g medium new potatoes, quartered
40g butter
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 medium brown onion, chopped finely
2 cloves of garlic, crushed (or to taste)
415g can crushed tomatoes
1 cup vegetable stock
1 cup water
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1/3 cup dry red wine
2/3 cup red lentils
1 medium carrot, chopped finely
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Method:

1. Preheat oven to hot (220-230*C)

2. Boil or steam potato until tender, and drain. Mash in large bown with half of the butter and the parmesan cheese.

3. Melt remaining butter in medium deep frying pan and cook onion and garlic, stirring until onion softens. Add undrained tomatoes, stock, the water, paste, wine, lentils and carrot. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 mins, stirring occasionally.

4. Add peas and parsley and cook, uncovered, for 5 mins. Spoon lentil mixture into shallow 1 litre ovenproof dish (or individual rammikins, as discussed above).

5. Spread potato mash on top. Bake, uncovered, in hot oven for 20 mins. Stand the pie for 10 mins before serving.

Variation:

Also tastes great with sweet potato or pumpkin mash, instead of the potato mash.

Serves: 4

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And my family's favourite go-to recipe:


Lentil soup:

Ingredients:

1 cup of red lentils
1 litre boiling water
a little oil or butter
1-2 carrots (cut into about 1cm chunks)
2-3 stalks of celery (cut into about 1cm chunks)
1/2-1 onion (diced)
as much garlic as you want
1 tsp garam marsala
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp tumeric
1 tsp corriander (or seeds)
1 Tbspn cream
1 Tpspn cornflour
1 cup diced tomato
1 cup peas &/or corn
any other vegetable you want to put in
Fresh herbs (e.g. corriander, basil, parsley, etc)
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Combine lentils and boiling water. Leave to soak while you prepare the rest of the ingredients

2. In a hot saucepan combine oil/butter, garlic, carrots, celery and stir until celery is a bit tender

3. Add garam marsala, cumin, tumeric and corriander (if you don't have these, add an equivalent amount of curry powder) and allow the aroma of the spices to come out

4. Pour lentils and remaining water into above saucepan and stir

5. Allow to simmer for up to 20mins

6. Combine cream and cornflour, then add to the pot

7. Add tomato, corn and peas and any other cooked vegetables (you can put mushrooms, zucchini, etc in raw as it will cook through) and allow to simmer for a little while longer stirring as you do

8. Add herbs and salt and pepper to the mix and when they've lilted, it's ready to serve!! YUM!!!

It's great with fresh bread or damper and with a dollop of ricotta or cream cheese.

Serves: 4-6 people

SydDoesLife

Not sure the exact recipe, but stew them with some stock and low fat sausages/chicken/bacon with carrots and herbs, delicious and warming!

spud_chick

Lentil soup is the tastiest soup ever (but it makes you fart like a trouper) lol

Funny, they don't seem to give us the toots at all (certainly not compared to beans anyway). What kind you you use?

I regularly make a lentil stew with garlic, onions, olive oil, carrots, celery, potatoes, millet, spinach, veggie broth and tomato paste. For this I use the regular dried lentils you most commonly see in the store ("green" or brown). If you can't find them in the regular dry beans, try the Mexican food section where Goya products are kept.

I tend to wing it in the kitchen so I can't give you exact quantities but I'll try. This is not low carb but it's low in fat, a good source of protein, fiber, iron and nutrition generally, and very filling for the calories. The millet complements the already very good amino acid profile of the lentils and tastes good with it. If you use a vegan broth, this is a vegan recipe; although sometimes when I feel naughty I throw in a little butter with the olive oil.

In a large covered saucepan or stockpot (min. 4 qt.), slow simmer 1 large chopped onion and coarsely chopped garlic (I use about 6 cloves) in olive oil until the onions become soft. Add about 1 cup chopped celery, 1 cup chopped carrots, 1 cup chopped potatoes, and 1/4 cup millet. Add 1 bag of rinsed dry lentils and cover with water; cover with lid and bring to a medium boil for about 20 minutes, then add chopped spinach (I usually use frozen), more water until the , a can of tomato paste and 2 or 3 tablespoons or cubes of vegetable broth powder. You can also add some cayenne pepper or curry powder to taste at this point. Mix, cover and return to a medium boil, about another 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Done when the lentils are soft and vegetables are done through. Sometimes I cheat and make this with all frozen veg but it's not as good. This lasts a few days for us (one light eater and one walking stomach) and we often make a large batch with more vegetables and a tablespoon or two more millet and give some away. Depending on how big your pan is you can add more veg if you've got room, but the quantities I suggest above should fit in a 4qt pan.


There are also red lentils which cook a little faster but have a different flavor, and fancy lentils you usually see at the health food store, which are very dark green and called french, DePuy or caviar lentils. They're smaller and firmer and have a more distinct and insteresting flavor; these are nice for serving seasoned on their own in place of rice (as a bed for a main course) or in a pilaf with brown and wild rice.

I'm looking for a good recipe for lentil nut loaf for the holidays, myself; I do eat turkey sometimes but seem to be leaning back toward becoming a vegetarian again and a lentil nut loaf *sounds* like a tasty idea.

bluelena

This is one of my favorites. It makes a lot and freezes well!

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2009/01/lentil-and-chicken-soup-3-pts.html?m=1

spud_chick

Lentil Cottage Pie:

That sounds great! Will try it this week.

aflorea2

Sounds great! Trying this tomorrow.