Cooking with Lentils General Chat Food & Recipes

[Shelby]

I am trying to increase pulses in my diet but don't really know what to do with lentils.

I have put red ones in soup and curries and made a Tarka Daal with the green ones. I find that since reducing our intake of meat, we are relying heavily on curries so I would like other recommendations if possible. Even how to add flavour in a salad or something. I am just at a loss at how to use them. Thanks!

 

[Jess]

There are tons you can do with lentils: bolognese, chilli, salads and so on!

Have a look here: Jamie Oliver | Official website for recipes, books, tv shows and restaurants | Jamie Oliver

The Happy Pear and BBC Good Food websites are worth a look, too.

I find lentils need bold flavours. I cook speckled green lentils with thyme and garlic cloves. Cool and add finely chopped celery and carrot, maybe some cherry tomatoes or sundried tomatoes. Dress with a strong vinaigrette, add feta and loads of parsley - gives you a nice lunch salad.

 

[Gemma]

I use lentils as a meat substitute in chilli, shepherds pie and spaghetti bolognese. I also make sausage and lentil casserole and make pork or chicken with creamy lentils (a sauce with creme fraiche). Thinking about it, I actually use lentils a lot!

 

[Aimie]

Personally, I love lentil pate, something like this for example.

And of course, you can easily make koftas or burger patties out of them, too.

 

[Cherub]

That pate sounds delicious, Aimie! I'm going to bookmark that recipe for future use.

 

[Alex]

I use lentils in vegetarian lasagne. I use the tinned version.