Lentils Recipe 45 Food

HEALTHY LENTIL CHILI

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of black pepper. Cook until vegetables are just tender and browned in spots, stirring occasionally, about 6 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, oregano and cumin, then continue to cook until fragrant and brick-red in color, stirring frequently, about 2 minutes.
• Stir in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, beans (and their liquid), lentils, bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a couple grinds of black pepper. Bring to a steady simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Partially cover with a lid and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the chili has thickened slightly, 35 to 45 minutes.
• Remove the bay leaf and stir in the vinegar. Season with salt and black pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve with toppings as desired.

PERFECT LENTILS

Steps:

• Place the lentils, onion, garlic and bay leaf in a medium saucepan and cover with about 3 inches of cold water (see Cook's Note). Bring to a medium boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and very gently simmer, uncovered, until the lentils are tender, about 22 to 26 minutes. Discard the onion, garlic and bay leaf and then drain the lentils. Season with salt and pepper and serve as a simple side dish. Or refrigerate them unseasoned to keep on hand for topping salads or folding into rice for an easy pilaf.
• Serving Suggestion:
• Cook 1/3 cup each of small-diced carrots, celery and onions in 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 4 minutes. Gently fold the vegetables into the cooked lentils along with 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and 2 teaspoons kosher salt.

BASIC LENTILS

Steps:

• Melt 1 tbsp coconut oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and a pinch of salt, and cook for 8 mins. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for a few mins more. Add the lentils, turmeric and tomatoes, stir to combine, then pour in 1 litre of water. Bring to the boil, then turn down and simmer for 25-30 mins, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.
• Heat the rest of the oil in a frying pan. When it's very hot, add the spices and fry for a min or so until fragrant, then stir them through. Add the lemon juice and season to taste. Will keep for four days in the fridge, or freeze it in batches and use to make our lentil kedgeree, lentil fritters, or spinach dhal with harissa yogurt.

LENTIL

Steps:

• Cook lentils as directed, but do not overcook.
• Drain and rinse and place in bowl.
• Combine with remaining ingredients but tomato. Toss gently.
• Place in refrigerator.
• Stir occasionally while salad is chilling. Add garnish and serve.