15 Best Lentil Recipes

June 02, 2023 Post a Comment

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Lentils are a great source of protein, fiber, and iron, making them a healthy addition to any meal. Plus, they are budget-friendly and versatile, making them the perfect ingredient for many delicious recipes. In this article, we've compiled a list of the 15 best lentil recipes, from soups and stews to salads and curries.

Description

Lentils are a type of legume that comes in various colors, including green, brown, and red. They have a mild flavor and are easy to cook, making them a popular ingredient in many cuisines worldwide. Lentils are also a great source of nutrients, making them a healthy addition to any meal.

Prep Time and Cook Time

The prep time and cook time for lentil recipes vary depending on the dish. Generally, lentils take about 20-30 minutes to cook, but some recipes require soaking the lentils overnight. The prep time can range from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the dish's complexity.

Ingredients and Equipment

Lentil recipes usually require basic ingredients such as lentils, vegetables, herbs, and spices. The equipment required is also minimal, usually consisting of a pot, pan, or slow cooker.

Method

The method for cooking lentils varies depending on the recipe. However, most recipes start by rinsing and draining the lentils, followed by soaking or cooking them. The lentils are then added to the other ingredients, such as vegetables, spices, and broth, and cooked until tender.

Notes

Lentils are a great source of protein, fiber, and iron, making them a healthy addition to any meal. However, some people may experience digestive issues when consuming lentils. To reduce the risk of digestive problems, soak the lentils before cooking, and gradually increase your intake of lentils.

Nutrition Info

Lentils are a great source of nutrients, including protein, fiber, iron, and vitamins. A half-cup of cooked lentils contains approximately 120 calories, 9 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fiber. Lentils are also low in fat and sodium, making them a healthy addition to any meal.

Recipes FAQ

Q: Can I freeze lentil soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze lentil soup. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Q: Do I need to soak lentils before cooking them?
A: While it's not necessary to soak lentils before cooking them, soaking them can reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest. Q: Can I use canned lentils instead of dried lentils?
A: Yes, you can use canned lentils instead of dried lentils. Just be sure to drain and rinse the lentils before using them in your recipe.

Recipe Tips

- Rinse and drain the lentils before cooking to remove any dirt or debris. - Soak the lentils overnight to reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest. - Use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water for added flavor. - Add chopped vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and onion, for added nutrition and flavor. - Top lentil soup with a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream for added creaminess.

Recipes

1. Lentil Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients: 1 cup dried lentils, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, salt and pepper to taste.
Method: Rinse and drain lentils. Chop onion, carrots, and celery. In a pot, saute onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add lentils, broth, and spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve hot.

2. Lentil Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients: 1 cup dried lentils, 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 cucumber, 1/4 cup red onion, 1/4 cup parsley, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.
Method: Rinse and drain lentils. Cook lentils according to package directions. Chop bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion. In a bowl, mix together cooked lentils, chopped vegetables, parsley, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Serve cold.

3. Lentil Curry

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients: 1 cup dried lentils, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ginger, 1 tbsp curry powder, 1 can coconut milk, 1 tbsp tomato paste, salt and pepper to taste.
Method: Rinse and drain lentils. Chop onion, garlic, and ginger. In a pot, saute onion, garlic, and ginger until softened. Add curry powder and tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add lentils, coconut milk, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve with rice.

4. Lentil Shepherd's Pie

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients: 1 cup dried lentils, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp thyme, 4 cups vegetable broth, 4 cups mashed potatoes.
Method: Rinse and drain lentils. Chop carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. In a pot, saute onion and garlic until softened. Add carrots, celery, tomato paste, thyme, lentils, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread mashed potatoes over lentil mixture. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

5. Lentil Tacos

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients: 1 cup dried lentils, 1 onion, 1 green bell pepper, 1 red bell pepper, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste.
Method: Rinse and drain lentils. Chop onion, bell peppers, and garlic. In a pan, saute onion and garlic until softened. Add bell peppers, lentils, and spices. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve in taco shells with your favorite toppings.

6. Lentil and Vegetable Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients: 1 cup dried lentils, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 zucchini, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp thyme, salt and pepper to taste.
Method: Rinse and drain lentils. Chop onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini. In a pot, saute onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini until softened. Add lentils, broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve hot.

7. Lentil and Sausage Stew

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients: 1 cup dried lentils, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 lb sausage, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp rosemary, salt and pepper to taste.
Method: Rinse and drain lentils. Chop onion, carrots, and celery. In a pot, saute onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add sausage and cook until browned. Add lentils, broth, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve hot.

8. Lentil and Ham Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients: 1 cup dried lentils, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 ham hock, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp thyme, salt and pepper to taste.
Method: Rinse and drain lentils. Chop onion, carrots, and celery. In a pot, saute onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add ham hock and cook for 5 minutes. Add lentils, broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve hot.