Green Lentil Receipes

Green lentils, often called French lentils due to their popularity in French cuisine, are a versatile and nutritious legume that's not only a delight for the palate but also packed with health benefits. They retain their shape when cooked, making them ideal for an array of dishes from hearty soups to light salads. In this post, we're exploring a variety of green lentil recipes that cater to different dietary preferences, cooking skills, and time constraints.

Hearty Green Lentil Soup

This is the perfect dish for those chilly evenings, offering warmth, comfort, and a nutritious meal in one bowl.

• Green Lentils - 1 cup, rinsed and drained
• Vegetable broth or water - 6 cups
• Diced tomatoes - 1 can (15 oz)
• Carrots, chopped - 2
• Onion, chopped - 1 medium
• Celery, chopped - 1 stalk
• Garlic, minced - 3 cloves
• Italian seasoning - 1 tsp
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil - 2 tbsp

Preparation Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery, cooking until they soften (about 5 minutes).
2. Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute.
3. Add lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
4. Adjust seasonings to taste and serve hot with a slice of crusty bread.

🌱 Note: If using dried lentils, ensure you sort through them to remove any small stones or debris and rinse well before cooking.

Green Lentil Salad

For a lighter meal or a side dish that bursts with flavor, this salad is an excellent choice.

• Green Lentils - 1 cup, cooked and cooled
• Cucumber, diced - 1
• Cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup
• Bell Pepper (any color), diced - 1
• Red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup
• Parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup
• Lemon juice - from 1 lemon
• Extra virgin olive oil - 2 tbsp
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - 1/2 cup

Preparation Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine the lentils, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and red onion.
2. Add parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Optionally, sprinkle feta cheese over the top for added creaminess.
4. Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for enhanced flavors.

Green Lentil Curry

A warm, spiced curry provides the perfect comfort food, especially when paired with rice or naan.

• Green Lentils - 1 cup, rinsed
• Onion, finely chopped - 1
• Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
• Ginger, grated - 1-inch piece
• Curry powder - 2 tsp
• Garlic powder - 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
• Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Tomato puree - 1/2 cup
• Coconut milk - 1 can (13.5 oz)
• Vegetable broth or water - 2 cups
• Salt to taste
• Cilantro, for garnish

Preparation Steps:

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, letting them sizzle for a few seconds.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Stir in curry, garlic, and turmeric powder, cooking for 1 minute to release the flavors.
4. Add lentils, tomato puree, coconut milk, and broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Season with salt and serve garnished with fresh cilantro.

Vegan Green Lentil Tacos

For a meatless twist on a beloved classic, these vegan lentil tacos deliver a unique texture and flavor profile that’ll surprise and delight your taste buds.

• Green Lentils - 1 cup, cooked
• Corn tortillas - 6
• Onion, finely diced - 1
• Garlic, minced - 3 cloves
• Chili powder - 2 tsp
• Cumin - 1 tsp
• Smoked paprika - 1 tsp
• Oregano - 1/2 tsp
• Tomato paste - 2 tbsp
• Vegetable broth - 1/4 cup
• Salt to taste
• Your favorite taco toppings (salsa, guacamole, lettuce, etc.)

Preparation Steps:

1. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, cooking until it softens, then add garlic, cooking for another minute.
2. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, cooking briefly.
3. Add lentils, tomato paste, and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
4. Warm tortillas, fill with the lentil mixture, and add your favorite toppings.

In wrapping up our journey through the versatility of green lentils, it’s clear these legumes are more than just a side dish. They can be transformed into hearty soups, vibrant salads, comforting curries, and even be a star in tacos. Each dish not only showcases the unique texture and nutty flavor of green lentils but also highlights their nutritional prowess, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their diet with plant-based protein and fiber.

How long do you need to soak green lentils?

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Unlike some legumes, green lentils do not require soaking. However, rinsing them before cooking helps to remove any debris or dust. If you prefer a softer texture, soaking for 2-4 hours can be beneficial.

Can green lentils be substituted in recipes calling for other types of lentils?

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Yes, green lentils can generally be used in place of other lentils in most recipes, though they retain their shape better, which can affect the texture of the dish. For recipes that require lentils to break down, like soups or dals, consider using red or yellow lentils instead.

Are green lentils healthy?

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Absolutely, green lentils are packed with nutrition. They’re an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and other minerals, which supports digestion, heart health, and blood sugar control.