Whole grains and pulses are considered to be very nutritious food items. Lentils are one of those nutritious grains which belong to the legume family. This is a popular dish in Canada, Syria, Turkey, Morocco, and other Asian countries like India.
Lentils are available in various sizes and colors ranging from yellow, black, brown, green, and even red. They are the least expensive nutritious diet that can be consumed by people of all ages and are highly beneficial to health. They have become a household name in Asian countries these days and can be prepared by following different methods:
What are Lentils
Lentils are the most common meal preferred all over the world because of their various qualities. It can be prepared in various ways and it comprises various nutritional values such as high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. These nutrients are considered to be the perfect addition to a balanced diet.
The main features of this meal are listed here.
Versatile: Lentils are the underdogs of the pulse group. They are best known for their versatility as they can be prepared following different recipes. They can be eaten as a soup, as vegetables, and even as a substitute for meat in burgers. People can cook it in their way as per their taste and preferences.
Nutritional powerhouse: Lentils are rich in nutrients such as fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals like folate, magnesium, and iron. This is mostly preferred by vegetarians who want a healthy diet. This plant-based protein makes it a favorite balanced diet food and works as the perfect substitute for meat.
Easy to cook: Unlike some other legumes, lentils are very easy and quick to cook. They don't require soaking for a long time. The dish can be cooked in different ways and just requires minimal time.
Affordable: Lentils are deeply rooted in cultural heritage as it is the family recipe passed on to different generations, especially in India and other South Asian countries. It doesn't see class and status, it is commonly consumed by many people. So, they have become an economical choice and are accessible to people being on their budgets.
Comfort food: Lentils are a dish that gives people warmth and the feeling of comfort. A bowl of lentils can be very fulfilling and soothing which makes it comfortable to digest.
Ingredients for Cooking Lentils
Lentils are a versatile dish that can be cooked easily. They do not require fancy spices and seasonings. They can be cooked simply just by following household recipes and regularly used tools. Some of the major ingredients used for cooking lentils have been highlighted in this section.
Lentils come in various colors and sizes. Each of them has a slightly different flavor and requires a different time to cook based on the sizes. Red and yellow lentils become more creamy when cooked.
While the green and brown lentils form a better shape when cooked. So, to prepare the lentils, the right amount and the preferred colored flavor should be chosen.
Onions
Onions are one of the main ingredients to prepare lentils as they enhance the flavor and make the lentils taste better. They sweeten the food when cooked properly. Onions release sugar that helps to caramelize the lentils and make the texture better.
They also enhance the savory flavor of the dish and complement other spices used in the lentils. Onions are also the most common vegetables in every household. So, they are often used to give a better taste to the lentils.
Garlic
Garlic is another ingredient that enhances the taste of the lentils. They have a spicy flavor and become mellow when cooked. The aromatic flavor in garlic enhances the overall taste of lentils and adds different layers of complexity. They can be deep-fried separately and can be added to the lentils or they can simply be cooked along with the lentils.
Cumin
Cumin is an essential ingredient in the Indian curries. They work well with many dishes. They are used to add more flavor to the dish. They even make the food look better as a proper topping. They have a warm and peppery flavor.
They are the perfect ingredients to enhance the flavor of lentils. They pair well with other spices and enhance the natural taste of lentils.
Olive Oil
Olive oil has a good flavor and is often used as a healthy oil. This oil complements the spices and other ingredients used in the dish. Here, on lentils, it helps the onion and garlic to release their flavors and bring the natural taste to the dish.
It can also be added at the end to increase the overall flavor. It contains healthy fat so it can be used without any fear but it should be used in the right quantity.
Tools Needed
Lentils are the easy to cook food that can be cooked with the help of regular utensils that are used at home. Some of the major tools used to cook lentils have been highlighted here.
Measuring cups: Firstly, the correct amount of lentils should be taken as it helps to cook them firmly. The excessive use of lentils when cooked with limited water and in a small pot may affect the doneness of the dish. So, with the help of measuring cups, the lentils of various types and sizes can be selected.
Mesh Strainer: The pulses and all other grains should be washed properly before cooking. This removes the dirt from the food items. The fine mesh strainer should be selected to rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking. This also helps to make the food smooth and soft as they are soaked in water while cleaning.
Pot: Pots of different sizes ranging from medium to large should be selected. A pot should be selected based on the quantity that you are cooking.
Wooden spoon: After the lentils are poured into the bowl for cooking, a spatula or wooden spoons can be used for stirring the lentils. This doesn't let one side of the lentils to be raw and another side to be overcooked.
Lid: Make sure to use a lid which coves the pot properly. This helps to cook lentils more quickly and evenly.
Timer: To track the cooking time is very essential for any dish to be prepared. This ensures the perfect timing and helps dishes like lentils to be cooked at the exact time without affecting the natural taste of it.
Knife and chopping board: They are a basic necessity in any kitchen. The various fruits and vegetables are to be chopped in the kitchen before cooking. The sharp knife makes the work easier by chopping the essential ingredients such as garlic and onions into small pieces.
How to Cook Lentils
Ingredients
Here are the basic ingredients required to cook 1 cup of lentils.
Lentils: 1 cup ( green, brown, yellow, red, and black)
Water: 3 cups of water ( broth optional)
Salt: 1 teaspoon of salt ( according to the taste)
Onions: 1 small piece of chopped onions
Garlic: 1 clove garlic
Olive Oil: 1-2 tablespoons
Black pepper: 1/2 tablespoon (optional)
Instructions
1. Rinse
The first step in cooking the lentils is to clean them as people may find some small pebbles and dirt. To avoid, eating them which may be a serious issue sometimes, it is necessary to rinse them properly. Rinse the lentils in the mesh sieve before cooking. Rinse them in cold water to remove dirt and debris.
If the lentils are to be cooked in large quantities then they should be checked properly even before rinsing and then only rinse them in water as just rising may not be enough. Pickking over by the hands will be more useful in collecting small rocks that cannot be separated while rinsing them in water.
As lentils are easy to cook food, they do not have much precooking process. After rinsing and soaking them properly in water lentils can be cooked directly. Put the rinsed lentils in the medium to large pot along with the three cups of water. If not water, then the broth can be added to increase the flavor and textures of the dish.
Add the bay leaf according to the taste while boiling as it adds more aroma to the dish. Bring the lentils to a boil now and then reduce the heat to a simmer as high flames may only cook the food faster but the right amount of heat will bring additional taste to the dish.
Just fill the pot with water and bring the lentils to the boil. The proper simmering is needed until they become tender. Cook the lentils uncovered for 15-20 minutes. The cooking time depends upon the size and the type of lentils. Green or brown lentils will take more time than any other lentils.
After simmering they become some and form a creamy texture which makes it a completely delicious food. Be sure to use salt and pepper for better taste in this step of cooking lentils.
4. Season the Lentils
After cooking them properly, it is necessary to season the lentils with different ingredients. This step is very crucial as it is the main step where the overall taste of lentils depends upon. The lentils can be seasoned well with different spices such as cumin, garlic, onions, and other vegetables such as oranges and tomatoes.
The salt and the black pepper can be added according to the taste and preference of the consumer. The seasoning gives different flavors to different types of lentils. Red and yellow tastes delicious just by having cumin, garlic, and onions whereas black and brown lentils taste better with tomatoes in it which also increases the soothiness of the dish.
To check whether the dish is cooked properly or not is very important. Lentils are a simple and regularly cooked dish. So, the use of a thermometer is not required here to check the doneness of the dish. You can simply check the doneness by stirring it with a wooden spatula or spoons.
When the lentils are tender and soft, they are ready to be served. Overcooking will lose the real taste while undercooking makes it difficult for people to digest. So, it should be cooked at the right flame.
After cooking them properly in the right heat and in the right quantity, the lentils are ready to serve. They can be served in different bowls or along with the rice and other dishes.
To increase the flavor, lemons can be added which give a savory and unique taste to the dish. They can also be consumed as soups along with the seasonings of other different vegetables.
The right time and the right temperature are needed to cook any dish. Lentils are one of those few foods which can be cooked in a very few minutes. They should be simmered until they become tender.
For whole lentils, the cooking time is usually 15-20 minutes and for split lentils like red, and yellow lentils, the cooking time is about 5-7 minutes. So, the cooking time for the lentils depends upon the types and size of them.
Red or Yellow Lentils
Cooking Time: Usually 5-10 minutes
Temperature: Medium heat which is about 180-200°F
Green Lentils
Cooking Time: 18-25 minutes (maximum)
Temperature: Medium heat which is about 180-200°F
Brown Lentils
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (maximum)
Temperature: Medium heat which is about 180-200°F
Black Lentils
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes (maximum)
Temperature: Medium heat which is about 180-200°F
Lentil-to-Water Ratio
The water ratio depends upon the amount of lentils to be cooked. If you are planning to cook 1 cup of lentils then 3 cups of water should be used. This is similar to most types of lentils such as red, yellow, brown, and black.
Mainly people plan for about 1 to 1 and 1/2 cups of cooked lentils for serving. However, this depends upon the size of the people to be served and the quantity of lentils to be cooked.
Tips for Cooking Lentils
Even though, lentils are one of the easiest foods to be cooked for a meal. Here are some suggestions to cook them in a better way.
Use enough water: Lentils usually require about 3 cups of water. It is better to have more water while boiling. But make sure the water is not less in quantity. This may affect the cooking process. Adjust the amount if you are cooking less. Do not use water equivalent to the lentils as they need some time to soak and cook properly.
Simmer gently: Cook lentils at a gentle simmer. If you focus on boiling them in excessive heat then this can lead the lentils to become mushy. Simmering at too high heat can make the lentils mushy.
Don't overcook: It is better to simmer lentils than to boil them on a high flame. They should be tender but they should hold their real shape and flavor.
Add salt later: Adding salt early while cooking can make them hard. So, it is better to add the salt after they have been boiled properly.
Store properly: Lentils can be eaten for a long time if they are stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container to store it for 4-5 days. If stored in a freezer-safe container they can last for 2-3 months.
What to Serve with Lentils
Lentils are the most versatile meal and they can be served with varieties of other food items. Some of the food items that can be served with lentils to increase the nutritious value and to add taste to this dish have been highlighted here.
Roasted Vegetables
Vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, zucchini, etc can be roasted and can be served with lentils. They help to give a more smooth texture and a delicious flavor to the warm taste of lentils.
They add variety to the meal. Add some healthy oils and if required marinate the vegetables. Now, roast the vegetables this will give some extra taste to the dish.
Wholegrain flatbreads, tortillas, and naan, these food items can be best complemented with lentils. It becomes difficult for people to have these naans and breads without any side dish. They cannot be swallowed properly. These food items need soft vegetables or a soup like that of lentil as a curry.
Lentils can go very well with the chicken stew. Lentils can be cooked separately and mashed or blended which makes the chicken stew thick and adds a creamy texture. Lentils absorb flavor properly. So, seasoning them with herbs and spices makes the food delicious. Lentils make the chicken stew a complete and satisfying meal.
Lentils can also be used in raita and yogurt while having chicken biryani. This makes people have a mixed taste and perfectly removes their hunger. The presence of nutrients in lentils makes it the perfect dish that is tasty, healthy, and versatile all at the same time.
Author
Editor
Naveen Maharjan
Naveen Maharjan is the Head Chef at Porterhouse Hospitality Group, bringing years of culinary expertise and a passion for fine dining. With a diverse background in renowned establishments, Naveen has previously served as Chef de Partie and Commis Chef at Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, and as a Pizza Maker/Cook at Fire And Ice Pizzeria in Kathmandu. Additionally, Naveen has honed skills at the Radisson Hotel, where he worked in various culinary capacities.
A graduate of Silver Mountain School of Hotel Management, where he studied Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, and SMSH:DICA, Naveen has built a strong foundation in the culinary arts, which continues to shape his creative approach to cooking.
Now based in Tamworth, New South Wales, Naveen combines his rich experiences with a commitment to delivering high-quality dishes, making him a respected figure in the hospitality industry.
