Lentils...?

[MelissaLynn]

I am interested in becoming a vegetarian at some point in my journey.
Unfortunately I come from a meat and potatoes background. The only beans we ate were baked with brown sugar!

I am trying new things from time to time and I decided I would like to add Lentils to my repertoire. Only one problem - I have no clue what to do with them.

If you have any great recipe ideas or tips for what to do with Lentils - please share!
Thank you!

[2Phat]

Lentil Soup

2 T. olive oil
1 c. chopped onions
1 c. chopped celery (I always add little more)
1 c. chopped carrots (I always add a little more)
2 quarts chicken or vegetable broth
1 pound lentils
1 cup cubed, cooked ham (optional - really don't need it)
3 bay leaves
1 garlic clove, pressed (I think garlic powder would be fine)
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce (I didn't have and didn't miss)
1/2 tsp. coriander -OR- 1/2 tsp. cumin (each gives this a different flavor... just don't combine)
1/2 tsp. ground pepper
1 Tlb red wine vinegar (red wine also works)
1 Tlb tomato paste (optional - who opens a can of paste for just one Tlb?)

Cook the onion, carrots and celery in the olive oil until lightly
sautéed, about 5 or 6 minutes. Add everything else and bring to a
boil boil over high heat, covered, and then turn the
heat off and let it sit for 20 minutes (this helps them cook more evenly).

At this point I dump everything in a crockpot on low for the day while I'm at work.
-OR - Turn the heat back on and simmer over medium heat for about 35-40 minutes, until
lentils are tender. Mash up some of the lentils to make a
creamier consistency.

I don't have nutritional info, but it is very low points and I freeze left-overs and take to work for lunch.

[MelissaLynn]

Thank you so much - that sounds delicious!
I think I will try this on Saturday. I like to make big batches of things I can freeze.

[gottahavefaith]

I make a lentil soup very much like the one below. If I add cumin, I like to also add oregano and extra canned tomato in some form.

You can also make a great lemony version if you add lemon juice, thyme and (if you want) ginger instead of the tomato, cumin and wine/vinegar.

[swizzlepop]

I have a great Winter Stew recipe in my food blog that includes lentils and Roni has a great Lentil soup recipe in GreenLiteBites. Once you get the hang of what to mix them with, they are pretty easy to make.

[Renee]

congratulations on your decision to become a veg head! after a long time enjoying this lifestyle, my fiance has pushed me to reintroduce poultry to my life...oh well.

anyways! lentils are fantastic, and my all time favorite thing to do with them are to soak (overnight in hot water), cook, and puree as a soup base. warning: all lentils are not the same! many indian recipes (I'm not indian, but my "second mother" is, so i learned a number of tricks from her) involve lentils, although i often cannot find the right ones that i like in normal grocery stores. Try local asian/indian groceres. even smaller cities (my parents live in one that is just above 100,000) have several different indian grocers--it's becoming so popular! Anyway, i love yellow lentils, they are my favorite...they are slightly wet/sticky feeling.
ok, so this wasn't as much help as i was thinking, but anyway, lentils are the easiest in soups, as a base or just add-in. i'm sure you could also use them in other creative ways, such as forming a patty with other veg's to make a burger of sorts, etc. indian recipes will be your best bet!

[swizzlepop]

Renee,

Funny you mentioned the difference in lentils. I've always wondered about that. I just made something yesterday that probably would have tasted better with yellow lentils or what ever kind are typically used in Indian foods. Do you know the difference between the yellow, red, black and whatever other kinds there are? Thanks in advance for letting us know about the differences!

[Renee]

you know what! that's a great question, and i don't actually know how they are different! something to look up or ask the second mother for sure! but i have attempted things with the wrong lentils before...ick. if i find out any info, i'll let you know...i'm headed to my parents for next weekend and will see that lady and try to ask her!
i've been rather lucky--this lady will bring back lots of spices (her family makes their own),lentils, and snack food from india each time she goes--i've been getting those things from her after she returns!