As the weather turns colder and our cravings lean towards heartier, warming meals, there's one ingredient that consistently stands out – lentils. When thinking about comforting dishes like soups and more, I couldn't imagine a better companion than lentils. Let's explore together the world of lentils.
1- Different types of lentils
2- Six reasons why you should cook more with lentil
3- Top six ingredients to pair with lentils
1- The different types of lentils
There are lots of different types of lentils, each with its own taste, texture, and health benefits. Here are the most popular on Cookpad:
Green Lentils (French Lentils): Earthy flavor, firm texture. Suitable for salads, side dishes, and hearty soups.
Brown Lentils: Mild, earthy flavor with a slightly firm texture. Versatile and commonly used in various dishes like soups and stews.
Red Lentils: Mild and sweet flavor, quick to cook. Ideal for thickening soups, curries, and dals.
Yellow Lentils (Yellow Split Peas): Sweet and nutty flavor, quick to cook. Commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
2- Six reasons why you should cook more with lentils
1- Tasty Goodness: Lentils taste amazing! They have this earthy flavor that's just delicious. The trick is to add some seasoning to make them even better. If someone isn't sure about lentils, start with red ones – they have the mildest flavor.
2- Budget-friendly: Lentils are a budget-friendly gem, offering both nutrition and flavor, making it easy to whip up delicious meals without breaking the bank.
3- Nutrient-packed ingredient: Lentils are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, making them a great option for individuals, including vegetarians and vegans, looking to meet their protein needs. They're also rich in dietary fibers and are a great source of Iron, vitamins and minerals. They aid digestion, promote gut health, and help maintain stable blood sugar levels. How great is that???
4- Easy to Cook: Cooking lentils is a piece of cake. Just throw them into boiling water, let them simmer until they're not crunchy anymore, drain, season, and you're good to go.
5- Versatile, Hearty and Filling: Lentils are so versatile and can be thrown in a large variety of dishes from different cuisine. They bring a hearty and filling element to your meals, making them perfect for soups, stews, salads and comforting dishes.
6- Extended shelf life: A true pantry hero, they come to the rescue when your fridge is empty, providing a solid start for making a tasty nutritious and filling meal in no time.
3- Top 6 pantry ingredients to pair with lentils (with recipe ideas)
1- Canned tomatoes: A versatile ingredient for creating a tomato base in lentil recipes. Try out this Spicy Vegan-Tomato soup by Ferenc Szklenar
Ferenc Szklenar
2- Canned coconut milk: It's a great companion for lentils to create rich and creamy curries and more! You will fall in love with this Instant pot Green Lentil Curry by Lynn D.
Lynn D
3- Canned chickpeas: Lentil and chickpeas work like magic together. You can create unbelievably tasty dishes that you've never thought of. What about this vegan chickpea and lentil burger recipe by Shari?
Shari
4- Rice: Pairing lentils with rice creates a nutritious and satisfying combination. Try this recipe rice and lentil dish topped with caramelised onion, by Rachel.
Rachel
5- Olive oil: It's hard to think of a salad without olive oil. But did you try adding lentils to it too? Here's the perfect warm tofu and lentil salad recipe for you cooked by Cookpad Author "Recipes From My Travels".
RECIPES FROM MY TRAVELS
6- Pasta! Cooking lentils with pasta is a fantastic way to create a hearty and nutritious dish. Would you give Malin's vegetarian lentil lasagne a try?
Malin Morgan