When it comes to healthy, delicious, and versatile ingredients, lentils are an absolute staple. Whether you’re looking to whip up something light and flavorful for a summertime lunch, or a hearty and savory dinner, lentils are a perfect choice.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking lentils, from what types of lentils there are and how to choose them, to how to cook them and some delicious recipes to get you started. Let’s dig in!
Contents
Types of Lentils and How to Choose
There are several different types of lentils commonly found in supermarkets and specialty stores. They vary in color, size, texture, and flavor, and each type is best suited for different dishes. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular types of lentils:
Green Lentils
Green lentils are the most common type; they are medium sized, and have a mild, earthy flavor. They hold their shape well after cooking, so they are a great choice for salads, soups, and stews.
Red Lentils
Red lentils are smaller than green lentils, and have a mild, sweet flavor. They are best used for creamy dishes like purees and dals, as they tend to break down when cooked.
Brown Lentils
Brown lentils have a slightly nutty flavor, and their firm texture makes them great for salads and side dishes.
Black Lentils
Black lentils, also known as Beluga lentils, have a deep, earthy flavor and a firm texture. They are great in salads, side dishes, and main dishes.
Table 1: Type of Lentils and Best Use
| Type of Lentils | Best Use |
|---|---|
| Green Lentils | Salads, Soups, Stews |
| Red Lentils | Purees, Dals |
| Brown Lentils | Salads, Side Dishes |
| Black Lentils | Salads, Side Dishes, Main Dishes |
When choosing lentils for a particular dish, keep in mind that different types of lentils require different cooking times. Green, brown, and black lentils take about 20-30 minutes to cook, while red lentils only take about 10-15 minutes.
How to Cook Lentils
Cooking lentils is a relatively simple process that yields delicious results. The key is to start with the right ratio of lentils to liquid. As a general guideline, use 1 cup of lentils to 2 cups of liquid.
Start by rinsing the lentils in cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, add the lentils and liquid to a pot and bring them to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the lentils simmer for the recommended amount of time (see Table 1).
Once the lentils are cooked, drain off any excess liquid and transfer them to a bowl. At this point, you can season them with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like.
Table 2: Cooking Times for Different Types of Lentils
| Type of Lentils | Cooking Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Green Lentils | 20-30 |
| Red Lentils | 10-15 |
| Brown Lentils | 20-30 |
| Black Lentils | 20-30 |
Delicious Lentil Recipes
Now that you know the basics of cooking lentils, here are some delicious recipes to help you get started.
Lentil Salad with Feta and Mint
This light and refreshing salad is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. It’s quick and easy to make, and it’s packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup green lentils
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 red onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the lentils in cold water.
2. Add the lentils and water to a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the lentils simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender.
3. Drain off any excess liquid and transfer the lentils to a bowl.
4. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the onion and garlic to the lentils and stir to combine.
6. Add the feta cheese, mint, salt, and pepper to the lentils and stir to combine.
7. Serve the salad warm or cold, and enjoy!
Lentil Soup
This hearty, flavorful soup is a perfect comfort food for cold winter days.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– 2 cups brown lentils
– 6 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the cumin, paprika, and chili powder and stir to combine.
3. Add the lentils and vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the soup hot and enjoy!
Conclusion
Lentils are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. With the right type of lentil and the right cooking techniques, you can whip up something healthy and delicious in no time. Now all you have to do is dig in!
So, don’t be blue like a lentil soup, try something new and cook up a lentil dish today!
After all, the key to cooking lentils is to remember:
“Lentils are the way to go, the more you cook ’em, the better they’ll show!”
