How To Cook Lentils

Also known as Lens culinaris, lentil is one of the annual plants classified within the family of legume. This vegetable is a famous ingredient in healthy and hearty dishes because it has high nutritional content. Some of the nutrients and vitamins that you can get from eating the vegetable are iron, protein and vitamin B1. This is also recommended if you want to reduce the occurrence of constipation since it is rich in dietary fiber. Below are some of the luscious and easy recipes that you can follow if you want to know how to cook lentils.

Stewed Lentils and Tomatoes

To avoid having delays, it is best to prepare all the needed ingredients beforehand. The main ingredients in this recipe are seven ounces green lentil and 28 ounces plum tomatoes. Aside from the key ingredients, the recipe contains two teaspoons extra virgin oil, two cups large diced yellow onions, two cups large diced carrots and three garlic cloves. To improve the flavor and aroma of the dish, you also need two cups vegetable stock, two teaspoons mild curry powder, two teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper as well as a tablespoon of red wine vinegar.

Pour the oil in a saucepan and place the pan over medium fire. Change the setting to low heat and add the carrots and onions. Cook for ten minutes. Mince the garlic and add in the pan. Cook for a minute. Put the tomatoes in a food processor or blender. Pulse the processor for several times. Add the tomatoes in the saucepan together with the broth, lentils, curry powder, salt, pepper and thyme. Wait for the mixture to boil and cook for 45 minutes. Transfer the dish in a bowl and serve while hot.

Winter Lentil Soup

You can try this recipe if you want to serve or eat a delicious and nutritious appetizer. The ingredients for the soup are 1 ½ cups orange lentils, a large onion, three garlic cloves, a small red bell pepper, a carrot, two tablespoons tomato paste, two tablespoons butter, two tablespoons olive oil, ¼ tablespoon combined salt and pepper, a chicken buillon cube, two tablespoons cumin, ¼ tablespoon turmeric, ¼ tablespoon paprika and a tablespoon of heavy cream.

Pour four cups of water in a large saucepan. Add the orange lentils and wait for the water to boil. In another saucepan, heat the oil and butter. Saute the garlic and onion. Add the red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Add the tomato paste. Stir the mixture constantly until it thickens. Add the remaining ingredients and the cooked lentils. Cook for half hour and serve immediately.

By: Roberto Bell

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