Suggestions on what to do with lentils? I want to love them.

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  • 4acast
    4acast Posts: 1 Member
    I once at a delicious lentil soup but all I remember is that it had some sort of tomato base and it had BACON. YUM. Too bad I can't remember what else it had.
  • Phaewryn
    Phaewryn Posts: 142 Member
    I cook mine in stock (beef or chicken) and plenty of salt, a bit of olive oil, and then add whatever herbs I'm in the mood for, often it's thyme and rubbed sage. I love lentils, I don't get the "dirt" taste, but maybe I like the way dirt tastes? You need to use savory herbs with them and some oil to carry it, like an olive oil. My partner isn't too fond of them, but he's notoriously picky with foods. They are also good cooked with some ham like any other bean or split peas. Maybe try the red ones instead of the dark brown ones? I think those have less flavor in general, and maybe that's the flavor you find dirt-like.
  • bezlooney
    bezlooney Posts: 81 Member
    Lentils are good in this dish
    http://www.looneyforfood.com/vegetarian-shepherds-pie/
  • abbynormalartist
    abbynormalartist Posts: 318 Member
    First successful lentil recipe!

    I made this (minus the pepper and mustard seeds because I didn't have any)...

    https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/winner-aarti-sequeira1/mums-everyday-red-lentils-recipe-1921913

    wmtiysr1x2p3.jpg

    That's not the best picture but it sure was tasty with some roti. It was so quick and easy to make and I'll absolutely be making it again. My husband spent 18 years in Asia and said it tasted like it was missing something but he couldn't quite pin down what it was.

  • kenyonhaff
    kenyonhaff Posts: 1,377 Member
    I just throw some in with an ordinary beef or chicken stew.
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    Herbed lentil rice casserole is so yummy. This recipe was originally published in the 1980s in Better Homes & Gardens mag and I've made it ever since.
    https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/herbed-lentils-and-rice-casserole-51887721
  • apullum
    apullum Posts: 4,838 Member
    I love this vegan eggplant lentil recipe: https://minimalistbaker.com/lentil-eggplant-lasagna/

    The ingredients list looks long, but it’s easy and comes together pretty fast. The hardest part is slicing eggplant. It’s also low calorie and filling.
  • CurveAppeal86
    CurveAppeal86 Posts: 272 Member
    This one looks really good, I'm going to put it on the meal plan for next week!

    https://www.budgetbytes.com/2016/07/slow-cooker-coconut-curry-lentils/
  • jimicidal
    jimicidal Posts: 6 Member
    I make a big batch of this to have on hand, then just add some kind of protein depending on the meal. It's a good nutritious filler for salads or burritos or whatever, just don't forget to season it

    1/4 lb dry lentils
    1/4 lb dry split peas
    1 lb dry black beans
    1 lb quinoa
    1/2 lb hemp seed hearts

    I make the peas and lentils in one pot, beans in another, and quinoa in another, then combine everything in a mixing bowl. I call this mixture "beanoa". It's not exactly quick and easy, but super handy to make ahead of time.

    I also make a big batch of taco meat out of ground turkey [drain it well, do not overcook] and add lots of mild and hot peppers, onions, garlic, chili powder, cilantro, radicchio, lime juice, salt and pepper.

    The meat and beanoa go great together with spinach for a burrito bowl that has tons of protein, fiber, vitamins and iron; Or I'll have a bowl of this beanoa in the morning with eggs and bacon. You can also eat it with fish or chicken and veggies - it just kind of makes clean eating extremely easy.

    Badia Complete Seasoning - This stuff is great, by the way.
  • jvjlarsen
    jvjlarsen Posts: 1 Member
    I have made Rachel Ray’s Lentil Soup with Kale and Sausage and it is awesome. My family loves it, even the picky eaters.
  • MostlyWater
    MostlyWater Posts: 4,294 Member
    RaeBeeBaby wrote: »
    MostlyWater wrote: »
    i sprout them!

    That's interesting! Will they still sprout if they are split like the yellow ones or split peas?

    The only way to find out is to try it. Soak them for a few hours or overnight, then drain and see what happens. Mist a few times a day.
  • rachaelh94
    rachaelh94 Posts: 2 Member
    lentil bolognese! https://www.ihearteating.com/lentil-bolognese-recipe/
    really good with Parmesan cheese on top!
  • gentlygently
    gentlygently Posts: 752 Member
    Another person who adds lentils to soups and cottage / shephers's pie. I quite often make boiled egg and lentil curry - easy one pot cooking and very tasty.

    I also boil orange lentils down with some onion and a bayleaf to a good 'mush' and add strong cheese. And use this as a cauliflower (and potato and carrot) cheese sauce.


  • Dame_sans_merci
    Dame_sans_merci Posts: 74 Member
    Red Lentils (small, almost flat, dried) - I add a small cupped handful to all soup that might be blitzed a bit, as a thickener rather than using potato. You must rinse them well first in cold water otherwise they can leave a scum on the top of the soup. They break down to virtually mush so you shouldn’t notice a muddy gritty taste.

    Green lentils - okay so we cheat and buy canned green lentils in water. Mainly because I never plan my meals enough to be bothered soaking the dried ones in advance. I use them the same as minced beef....so predominantly a bolognese or chilli. It all about the additions to the sauce though. I add grated carrot for sweetness, canned tomatoes or passata, fresh garlic, dry herbs, onions, mushrooms, a stock cube and some vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer on a really low heat so the sauce gets gorgeously thick and sweet and the lentils get very soft while just about keeping their shape.

    Puy Lentils - supposed to retain their ‘bite’ but I (again) buy the pre-cooked ones for convenience but sauté them in either a little smoked bacon or chorizo before topping with poached cod, baked cherry tomatoes and wilted spinach. If you are veggie, then you could just add some smoked paprika to the lentils when sautéing to give a similar(ish) effect to chorizo.
  • jonder1
    jonder1 Posts: 1 Member
    Lentil Sloppy Joes!
  • candistyx
    candistyx Posts: 547 Member
    Lentils soak up basically every flavour you put with them. I like curry powder and ridiculous amounts of salt (I am a salt gorgon).
  • LookingBusy
    LookingBusy Posts: 72 Member
    Saute some garlic and mushrooms. Throw in some cooked lentils (I used canned for this since they are fast and hearty). Top with poached eggs and maybe some Parmesan. I was amazed at how well this came together. Some times I will add a chopped potato to the mix as well.
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