Quick and Easy Recipes for Lentils

 

Quick and Easy Recipes for Lentils

 

Lentils are a great way to boost your protein and fiber intake. They cook quickly and can be added to soups, salads, sauces or dips. You can even eat them raw as a healthy snack! Here is a list of recipes that we hope will inspire you to use lentils in cooking and show you just how versatile they can be.

 

Mac and Cheese with Lentil Resistances: This recipe combines the traditional macaroni and cheese with lentil "meat" for an easy on-the-go or post-workout meal.

Cream of Tomato Soup With A Hint Of Cumin: This recipe is full proof of the kitchen's motto "anything goes.

Lentils are an incredibly healthy and versatile food that is considered a whole protein by the USDA because they contain all essential amino acids and dietary fiber and numerous minerals. All this for a mere 230 calories per cup!

For those of you who think lentils are bland, you can find them in various flavors. They come in green and red, brown, yellow and black-all with their distinct flavor. You can find them cooked with garlic or onions, in vegetable stews as well as soups or even breakfast patties!

Here are just some of the surprising benefits lentils can offer:

They're low in fat, sodium and cholesterol. They are high in fiber which helps prevent constipation and other digestive diseases. They provide folate which is important for the proper development of the brain and nervous system.

Serving Size: 1/2 cup, Calories from Fat: 5

 

Ingredients: 1/2 cup dry Lentils, 1 tablespoon Olive Oil, 2 cloves Garlic, diced or crushed into a paste.

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the lentils in the water with garlic and oil.
2. Bring to a boil and then lower to low to simmer for about 20 minutes until soft.
3. Serve as an appetizer with pita bread or as a side dish.

The recipe may be served warm or cold.

This recipe gives you the taste of meat in a very healthy and nutritious way.

Serving Size: 1/2 cup, Calories from Fat: 12

Ingredients: 1/2 cup Dry Lentils, 1 Whole Carrot, diced into small cubes. Shredded Carrot will also work. 1 Whole Onion, peeled and diced. 3 Small Stalks of Celery, diced into small pieces. 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil or Sesame Oil 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce Instructions: In a medium-sized pan over medium-high heat cook the veggies first with garlic until softened. Add in lentils and oil and cook for another 4-5 minutes.

For those of you who think there's nothing special about lentils, I assure you that Lentil soup with red lentils is a classic dish. It's delicious and quick to prepare and the recipe below is one of my favorites.

 

1/2 cup dry red lentil, 1 onion chopped into large chunks, 1 clove of garlic diced or crushed into a paste, 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil

2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 teaspoons grated ginger

2 cups vegetable broth or vegetable bouillon cubes (if using bouillon cubes: dissolve in 6 cups boiling water), salt to taste