Learn how to cook lentils and how to flavor them. Lentils are healthy, delicious, versatile, and easy! Make cooked lentils with flavorful spices in under 25 minutes!
Lentils are one of those plant-based basics that you need to know. They are easy to cook, very healthy, and super cheap.
Lentils are one of the healthiest foods! They've got protein and fiber, as well as iron and potassium.
Because of the fiber and protein combo, lentils are very satiating. Just 1/4 cup of dry lentils will leave you feeling full and satisfied, with 4g of fiber and 9g of protein!
Lentils are classified as a legume. And it's recommended that we all eat at least 1/2 cup of legumes per day. Some even recommend that we eat them at every meal.
These legumes are so vital to health and longevity that we shouldn't go one meal without eating them.
Regular bean consumption reduces your risk of cancer, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and obesity. Legumes can also increase your life expectancy and are a fantastic source of both plant-protein and fiber.
If that doesn't inspire you to eat beans on a regular (hopefully daily) basis, I don't know what will. But I'll keep trying.
Lentils are also cheap!
I buy lentils dry in a bag from the grocery store. They come in a 1lb. bag and they are so inexpensive: $1-$2 per bag for 13 servings. That's 15 cents a serving.
Lentils are so versatile.
You use whatever spice combinations you can find in your pantry, you can make a sauce or dressing, or you can season with herbs.
Personally, I love to eat lentils with turmeric as a way to get in my daily serving of the anti-cancer spice. I can't get enough of these beans!
Lentils are identified by their color.
There are brown lentils, black lentils, green lentils, yellow lentils, and red lentils.
Brown, black, and green lentils are sturdier. They take longer to cook and are firmer.
Red and yellow lentils are softer. They cook quickly and can end up very soft, almost mushy.
All you need to make lentils is lentils!
Today, I'm cooking brown lentils, but you can choose any type of lentil.
After that, you can season them however you'd like.
Step 1. Bring a large pot (8 cups) of water to a boil
Step 2. Add the lentils to the boiling water. Let cook with the lid tilted for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3. When the lentils are soft but still intact, drain.
Step 4. Add the spices and mix to combine. Enjoy!
And now it's time for the fun part. Spices. Use whatever you have in your kitchen and experiment with flavor combinations. Here are some of my favorites:
Lord, thank you for the food you give us. Thank you for providing nutrient-filled, life-saving legumes that are easy to prepare. Use these lentils as a way to keep our bodies healthy and alive so we may focus on fulfilling your will. Amen.
Love lentils? Check out some other delicious bean recipes:
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Learn how to cook lentils and how to flavor them. Lentils are healthy, delicious, versatile, and easy! Make cooked lentils with flavorful spices in under 25 minutes!
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