Lentils Recipe & Nutrition | ‘s Encyclopedia of Food
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Lentils are a legume that are very nutritious and provide a lot of benefits to our body. They are very good for our health. Many people believe that lentils are great to eat in the winter, because they help to keep us warm. Therefore, you can keep them in your house during winter. You can also cook your lentils with vegetables and meat.
Lentils are one of the world’s oldest cultivated crops, which have been cultivated for well over 5,000 years. There are only a few types of lentils, and they come in a variety of colors and flavors. The most popular green lentils are French green lentils, which are popular in cuisines around the world.
You have to set aside a certain amount of time and energy to cook your lentils, but the results are worth the effort. This legume is a good source of fiber, protein, and several key minerals. It has an earthy flavor and blends well into a variety of dishes. Lentils have been a staple in the Mediterranean diet since ancient times, and for good reason: they’re versatile, nutritious, and delicious.. Read more about green lentil recipes and let us know what you think.
A Quick Look
Lentils are a kind of legume with a nutty, deep taste. Brown, green, and red are the most prevalent colors in North America. Lentils are a nutrient-dense food that are rich in protein, slow-digesting carbs, and fiber. Minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as vitamins like folate, niacin, and vitamin E, are abundant in them. Lentils may be purchased dry or canned, and both will keep for a long time. Soups, stews, curries, casseroles, and as a side dish all benefit from lentils.
Overview
Lentils are a kind of legume with a nutty, deep taste. They come in pods with one or two seeds in each.
Identification
Lentils come in a variety of shapes and sizes. All of the types are tiny, measuring little more than 14 inches in diameter. Lentils come in a variety of shapes and colors, including round, oval, and heart-shaped varieties in brown, black, green, red, and orange. Brown, green, and red are the most prevalent colors in North America. When cooked, brown and green lentils keep their form the best.
Nutritional Information
About 230 calories, 17.9 grams of protein, 39.9 grams of carbs, 15.6 grams of fiber, 3.6 grams of sugar, and 0.8 grams of fat are included in one cup of cooked lentils.
Folate, niacin, and vitamin E are all abundant in lentils. Minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium are abundant in them.
Selection
Lentils are available in dry or canned form and may be found at your local grocery shop or health food store. When choosing lentils, ensure sure the package is in good condition. If you’re using dry lentils, ensure sure the package doesn’t have any moisture in it.
Storage
Lentils, both dried and tinned, may be kept in your pantry for up to a year.
Cooked lentils may be kept in the refrigerator for 4-5 days in an airtight container. Cooked lentils may be frozen for up to six months, but keep in mind that freezing them may change the texture when reheated.
Preparation
To prepare canned lentils, just open the container, drain the contents into a colander, and thoroughly rinse the lentils. The lentils may then be used as instructed in your recipe or added to any meal for added taste, texture, and nutrients.
To prepare dry lentils, place them in a colander and thoroughly rinse them. Then, for every 1 cup of dry lentils you wish to cook, add 1.5 cups of water to a saucepan. Bring the lentils to a boil in the boiling water. Reduce the heat to a simmer after boiling for 2 to 3 minutes. Lentils should be cooked until they are soft. Cooking time for green and brown lentils is 45 minutes, whereas red lentils are just 25 minutes.
Dried lentils, unlike most other beans or legumes, do not need to be soaked before cooking. Lentils are your buddy if you’re in a hurry.
Casserole with Lentils and Turkey
This unique take on traditional shepherd’s pie is guaranteed to wow. As a dinner or a snack, this dish is delicious.
Ingredients
TOP: cauliflower, steamed (500g) 4 cups white potatoes 4 large salt & pepper to taste BOTTOM: carrots, peeled, chopped 4 – 5 large sweet onion, chopped 1/2 lentils, rinsed 1 can turkey, ground 0.4 – 0.5kg peas, frozen, thawed 1 cup corn, frozen, thawed 1 cup eggs 3 veggie spice mix to taste
Directions
Time to Prepare: 30 minutes Time to prepare: 80 minutes 12-14 pieces per batch
Layer on top:
Fill a medium saucepan halfway with water and heat to a boil. Wash and chop your potatoes in half as you wait for the water to boil. When the water is boiling, add the potatoes to the saucepan and turn the heat down slightly on the stove. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-pierced potatoes are tender.
While the potatoes are cooking, wash 4 cups of cauliflower and steam it over boiling water using a steamer or a steam basket. Steam until the meat is extremely tender (10-15 minutes). If you prefer frozen cauliflower, place a 500g package in a microwave-safe dish and cook for 8-10 minutes.
Place the potatoes and cauliflower in a blender or food processor after they’re done cooking. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Save it for a later date.
Layer at the bottom:
In a large french skillet over medium to high heat, combine the chopped onion, chopped carrots, and turkey. Using a spatula, constantly stir the mixture. Add the peas, corn, lentils, and spices to the pan after the turkey is cooked through (no longer red) and simmer for another 5 minutes. Take the skillet off the heat and crack three eggs into it. Stir the contents of the skillet until the eggs are well combined.
Assembly:
Fill a 9”x 13” rectangle baking dish halfway with the contents of the skillet and spread out evenly. Spread the potato and cauliflower purée equally over top. Bake for 35-40 minutes at 350°F, or until the top layer begins to brown. Allow 10 minutes for cooling.
Refrigerate any leftovers.
Enjoy!
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Foods That Are Related
Lentils are small seeds, coming in a variety of shapes and sizes, turning from green to brown as they mature. They are a common ingredient in cuisines around the globe. The most commonly lentils used in cooking are the French lentil, or Puy lentils, and the Italian-American lentils, the navy, black, and scarlet lentils.. Read more about how to cook lentils and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes well with lentils?
Lentils are a type of legume, and they go well with many different foods. They can be served as a side dish or mixed into soups, stews, salads, dips, and more.
Are lentils good for losing weight?
Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber. They also contain folate, iron, and magnesium.
What is the healthiest way to cook lentils?
The healthiest way to cook lentils is by boiling them in water.
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