Red lentils, which until recently were not very familiar to home cooks, are now becoming increasingly popular in our cuisine. Besides their attractive color, they are very tasty and quick and easy to prepare. Red lentils are rich in fiber, antioxidants, folic acid, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, which places them among the healthiest foods. They also create a feeling of fullness very quickly, helping you avoid overeating and gaining unnecessary weight.
With red lentils, you can prepare almost all dishes that are traditionally made with regular brown lentils. However, it is important to know that red lentils cook much faster than the common varieties, so you need to be careful not to overcook them and turn them into mush.
At the same time, they are especially suitable for preparing:
- lentil cream soups and hearty soups;
- purees;
Here are some interesting recipes you can try if you decide to cook something with red lentils:
Bean and Red Lentil Puree
Ingredients: 400 g dried beans (14 oz), 400 g red lentils (14 oz), 100 g butter (3.5 oz), 200 ml milk (6.8 fl oz), 2 tbsp flour, 2 beaten eggs, salt and black pepper to taste, a few sprigs of parsley.
Preparation: The beans and lentils are cooked in separate pots because the lentils require much less cooking time. Once both are tender, they are combined and blended into a puree. Milk, butter and flour are added to the mixture. Everything is cooked together until it thickens. The eggs, salt and black pepper are then added. The prepared puree is served warm, sprinkled with finely chopped parsley.
Red Lentil Salad
Ingredients: 500 g red lentils (17.6 oz), 5 pickles, 1 roasted red pepper, 1 red onion, 150 g bacon (5.3 oz), olive oil to taste, vinegar to taste, salt and parsley to taste.
Preparation: The lentils are cooked carefully so they do not overcook. Once they cool down, they are placed in a bowl and the remaining ingredients are added, all diced into small cubes. Season with olive oil, vinegar, salt and parsley according to taste.
Red Lentil Cream Soup
Ingredients: 500 g red lentils (17.6 oz), 1 carrot, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 200 ml heavy cream (6.8 fl oz), salt to taste, a few sprigs of fresh mint.
Preparation: The lentils are cooked together with finely chopped onion, carrot and garlic. Once everything is soft, the mixture is blended or passed through a sieve until smooth. The cream is then added and stirred well. The finished soup is served sprinkled with finely chopped fresh mint.
Try also our recipes for Turkish red lentil soup or these delicious red lentil patties. Discover as well why lentils are so healthy.
Comments