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4 LENTIL Recipes EVERYONE Should Know

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Recipes in this Video

4 recipes
veganvegetarianplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Lentil soup is a staple in Italian cuisine, often enjoyed during colder months. It is a hearty dish that reflects the agricultural traditions of Italy, where lentils are cultivated. This soup is not only nutritious but also symbolizes prosperity and good luck, especially when served on New Year's Day. Variations exist across regions, showcasing local ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

  • lentils
  • carrots
  • celery
  • onion
  • garlic
  • vegetable broth
  • olive oil
  • bay leaves
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
  2. 2In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. 3Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
  4. 4Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  5. 5Add the lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
  6. 6Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender.
  7. 7Remove bay leaves before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

lentils

Healthier: green lentils

Cheaper: split peas

Split peas are often less expensive and cook faster.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is a budget-friendly alternative.

Techniques

sautéingboiling

Equipment

large potcutting boardknifemeasuring cups
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Zuppa di Lenticchie
vegetariangluten-freedairy-free

Lentil salad has roots in Mediterranean cuisine, where lentils are a staple due to their nutritional value and versatility. Traditionally enjoyed as a healthy dish, it symbolizes sustenance and community. Today, variations abound globally, with many adding unique local ingredients, making it a favorite for health-conscious eaters everywhere.

Ingredients

  • lentils
  • cucumber
  • cherry tomatoes
  • red onion
  • bell pepper
  • parsley
  • olive oil
  • lemon juice
  • garlic
  • salt
  • pepper
  • feta cheese
  • avocado
  • spinach
  • carrot
  • red wine vinegar

Instructions

  1. 1Rinse lentils under cold water until clear.
  2. 2Boil lentils in a pot with water until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
  3. 3Drain lentils and let cool to room temperature.
  4. 4Chop cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper into small pieces.
  5. 5Finely chop parsley and set aside.
  6. 6In a large bowl, combine cooled lentils, chopped vegetables, and parsley.
  7. 7In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  8. 8Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
  9. 9Crumble feta cheese over the top of the salad.
  10. 10Slice avocado and arrange on top of the salad.
  11. 11Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredient Alternatives

feta cheese

Healthier: tofu

Cheaper: cottage cheese

Tofu provides a vegan option while cottage cheese is more affordable.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil offers similar health benefits, while canola is budget-friendly.

red wine vinegar

Healthier: apple cider vinegar

Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds flavor with potential health benefits.

garlic

Healthier: garlic powder

Cheaper: onion powder

Garlic powder is a convenient substitute, while onion powder is often cheaper.

Techniques

boilingmixingchopping

Equipment

potbowlwhiskknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairy

Also Known As

Lentil Salad with VegetablesMediterranean Lentil Salad

Lentil curry, or Dal, is a staple in Indian cuisine, often served with rice or flatbreads. It represents the heart of vegetarian meals, rich in protein and flavor. Traditionally, it is enjoyed daily in many households and is celebrated for its comforting, nourishing qualities. Today, variations of lentil curry can be found around the globe, with each culture adding its unique twist.

Ingredients

  • lentils
  • onion
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • tomato
  • coconut milk
  • spinach
  • curry powder
  • cumin
  • turmeric
  • coriander
  • vegetable oil
  • lime
  • cilantro
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Rinse lentils under cold water until water runs clear.
  2. 2Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  3. 3Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. 4Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. 5Add diced tomatoes and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. 6Mix in curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and coriander, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
  7. 7Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
  8. 8Add rinsed lentils and stir to combine.
  9. 9Cover and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, until lentils are tender.
  10. 10Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
  11. 11Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
  12. 12Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

coconut milk

Healthier: light coconut milk

Cheaper: almond milk

Light coconut milk reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

spinach

Healthier: kale

Cheaper: frozen spinach

Kale is nutrient-dense and frozen spinach is often less expensive.

curry powder

Healthier: homemade spice blend

Cheaper: individual spices

Homemade blends can be tailored to taste and are often cheaper.

vegetable oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil offers healthier fats while canola oil is often less expensive.

Techniques

sautéingsimmering

Equipment

large potcutting boardknifemeasuring spoonswooden spoon
🌶️🌶️🌶️Hot

Also Known As

DalDaalLentil Daal
vegangluten-free

Ingredients

  • 1 cup lentils
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. 1Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain.
  2. 2In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
  3. 3In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. 4Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  5. 5Stir in the cooked lentils, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. 6Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
  7. 7To assemble the tacos, spoon the lentil mixture onto each tortilla.
  8. 8Top with diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro.
  9. 9Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

Equipment

medium saucepanskilletspatulameasuring cupsmeasuring spoons
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

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