The BEST Lentil Salad Recipe! - Gimme Some Oven (2024)

FAQs

How do I get the most out of my lentils? ›

Lentils aren't rice—they don't need to absorb every last drop of cooking liquid. They're more like pasta: best cooked in an abundance of water or stock. Bring your liquid up to a boil, add your lentils, then turn down your heat to a simmer for at least 25-30 minutes.

Some garlic, tomato, herbs and 25 minutes is all you need for the most flavorful, perfectly soft lentils.” But the way they come together will make you pause and maybe giggle: You drop a whole, large tomato and four garlic cloves, jackets and all, into the pot with the dry lentils and herbs.

What Are Puy Lentils? While some use these terms interchangeably with French lentils, Puy lentils, or lentilles du Puy, are a lentil variety from a specific area of France. Grown in volcanic soil, the resulting Puy lentils have an even more peppery taste with a hint of earthy flavor.

Lentils are great in soups, as an addition to salads, and as a vegetarian protein source in recipes traditionally made with meat. Similar to rice, lentils take on whatever flavors you add to the pot. Instead of plain water, cook lentils in a broth or stock.

Sautéed greens, such as spinach or kale, are a healthy and simple side dish that works well with lentils. The tender, slightly bitter greens provide a palate-cleansing contrast to the hearty and earthy lentils, adding a touch of freshness to the meal.

Black Beluga lentils have the most flavor, adding a rich, earthy taste and a firm texture that holds up well during cooking. Black lentils will be ready in 20–25 minutes; however, they will fall apart like their brown, green, and red partners once you cook them for too long.

Why Should You Soak Lentils? Certain pulses have a natural drive of causing gas and bloating in the body. Soaking mimics the natural germination process and changes the seed that is dormant and indigestible into the dal laden with nutrients and complete digestibility.

Bring to a boil, cover tightly, reduce heat and simmer until they are tender. For whole lentils, cook time is typically 15-20 minutes. For split red lentils, cook time is typically only about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to season with salt after cooking – if salt is added before, the lentils will become tough.

Urad dal or black lentil is one of the most nutritious pulses known to mankind. Low in fat and calories, Urad dal helps to improve digestion. With it being a rich source of protein and vitamin B3, it makes our bones stronger and is said to boost energy levels, enhance heart health and strengthen our nervous system.

Le Puy green lentil is a small, mottled, slate-gray/green lentil of the Lens esculenta puyensis (or L. culinaris puyensis) variety. In the US, this type of lentil may be grown and sold as French green lentils or Puy lentils.

What color of lentils are healthiest? ›

Black Lentils (Beluga lentils)

Best of all, black lentils are the most nutritious variety of lentils, boasting the highest amount of protein, plus high levels of calcium, potassium, and iron.

Our organic black Beluga lentils add a depth of colour to cooking, they can be used in stews, and curries and they can be added to salads.

In terms of how often you should be eating lentils, enjoying them a few times per week is ideal to reap all their amazing benefits.

Alternatively, a full complement of amino acids can be achieved by pairing lentils with whole grains such as rice or wheat. Lentils are also a great source of fiber, vitamin B1 and folic acid, and are naturally gluten-free.

The so-called “lentil effect” or “second meal effect” describes the remarkable effect of beans to help control blood sugar levels hours, or even the next day, after consumption.

To cook, cover the lentils with plenty of water or stock—about 3 cups for each cup of dry lentils. Lentils swell in size, but they don't absorb the extra water; just drain them when they're done. Once you bring the liquid to a boil, cover the pan and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Alternatively, a full complement of amino acids can be achieved by pairing lentils with whole grains such as rice or wheat. Lentils are also a great source of fiber, vitamin B1 and folic acid, and are naturally gluten-free.

THE RIGHT WAY AND AMOUNT: If you really want to consume lentils to get protein, have them just boiled and without curry. Even then, know that every bowl will just give you only 10 to 15 grams of protein, along with double the carbs.

The best way to cook lentils

Or you can use canned lentils. It's best to give them a rinse before cooking, to remove impurities. You can then place them in a pot, cover them with water and a pinch of salt, bring them to a boil, and let them simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes ( 27 ).