Golden Lentil Dip Food

COCONUT CURRIED GOLDEN LENTILS (20 MINUTES!)

Steps:

• Note: Soaking lentils is optional but can improve digestibility and speed cook time. See notes for tips.Bring water to a boil in a large pot or saucepan. Add lentils and bring back to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cook lentils uncovered for 4-5 minutes or until just tender. Then drain and set aside. Be careful not to overcook or they can become mushy (cooking time will vary by variety of lentil - check package for instructions).
• In the meantime, heat a large rimmed skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add oil or water, shallot (optional), garlic, and ginger (start with lesser quantity, and add more to taste as desired). Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Then add salt, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne and cook for 1 minute more. Lower heat to low.
• Add coconut milk and coconut sugar (or maple syrup) and stir to combine. Cook over low heat for 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors (see photo).
• Add the (well) drained, cooked lentils (see photo) to the coconut sauce and stir. They will likely need more seasoning at this point. I added a bit more salt, curry powder, turmeric, cayenne, and coconut sugar because I like big flavor. But season to taste.
• Turn off heat, add lemon juice, and stir. Then serve and enjoy! These are delicious on their own, but they would also be tasty with rice, cauliflower rice, steamed or roasted vegetables, and more.

GOLDEN LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Place all ingreidients in a large pot and bring to a boil.
• Turn pot down to a simmer and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Puree them with a stab mixer or a blender till smooth.

GOLDEN LENTIL STEW

Steps:

• Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, and cook 5 minutes. Add chickpeas, stock, and water, and simmer until tender, about 45 minutes.
• Mash garlic, finely chopped cilantro, and salt into a paste. Add garlic paste, celery, tomatoes, lentils, tomato paste, lemon juice, and spices to pot. Simmer until lentils are tender, 30 to 40 minutes.
• Add pasta and dates, and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes. Stir in coarsely chopped cilantro and parsley. Garnish with parsley leaves, and serve with lemon wedges.

GOLDEN LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Rinse lentils and then cover with water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. (Stir occasionally to prevent burning.) Cook, uncovered, for 9 minutes. Drain and place aside.
• Chop carrots, celery, onion and garlic. (Using a food processor saves time if available).
• In a large stockpot, saute the chopped onions, carrot, celery, garlic, turmeric, and cumin in olive oil until onions are translucent.
• Transfer lentils and broth to the pot. Add coriander and salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring soup to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes. Serve with crackers.