Looking for a way to make your lentils more tasty? Here's how!
Green lentils are one of my favorite ingredients to cook with because they're not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. One of my go-to ways to prepare them is by simmering them in vegetable broth with diced onions, green bell peppers, and a minced jalapeño pepper. This combination of spices and vegetables adds a ton of flavor to the lentils and creates a fragrant, aromatic dish.
What I love most about this recipe is that it's perfect for meal prep. Once the lentils are cooked, you can store them in the fridge for up to 5-7 days or freeze them for up to 6 months. This makes it easy to have a healthy and flavorful ingredient on hand to add to salads, soups, or grain bowls throughout the week. Whether you're a busy parent or someone who loves to meal prep, this recipe is a great way to make sure you always have a delicious and nutritious ingredient at your fingertips.
The Mighty Lentil... why are they so great?
- They're packed with fiber, which can help keep you full and satisfied, and even help lower cholesterol.
- They're a great plant-based source of protein, which can help keep you feeling energized and satisfied after meals.
- They're versatile: Green lentils can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and veggie burgers. You can even use them as a meat substitute in recipes, making them a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
- They're easy to cook: Green lentils cook relatively quickly, and they don't require soaking like some other legumes. This makes them a convenient option for busy weeknights when you want to get dinner on the table quickly. Plus, you can cook a large batch and freeze the leftovers for later use.
Do you cover the lentils while cooking?
No, the lentils are not covered on purpose. Cooking lentils uncovered can intensify their flavor by allowing the liquid to evaporate and the flavors to concentrate. When lentils are cooked uncovered, the liquid in the pot reduces, which makes the lentils more flavorful and concentrated. Additionally, when lentils are cooked uncovered, some of the volatile flavor compounds are released into the air, which can contribute to the aroma of the dish and enhance the overall flavor.
However, it's important to note that leaving lentils uncovered while cooking can also lead to them drying out if they are not monitored closely, so it's important to keep an eye on them and add more liquid if necessary.
Tasty Lentil Ingredients:
- 1 cup green lentils
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 jalapeno
- Bay leaf
- Salt (optional)
- Pepper
Directions:
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly and set them aside.
- Prepare the veggies by dicing the onion and green bell pepper, and mincing the jalapeño pepper.
- In a large pot, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Let them cook for a few minutes and stir occasionally. If the veggies start to stick, add a little water to the pot.
- Add the minced jalapeño and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Add in the rinsed lentils and stir together with the veggies.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add in the bay leaf. Stir occasionally.
- Allow the lentils to simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes until they have softened. The lentils should be firm but not hard in the middle. You can add in extra liquid (½ cup-1 cup) if the lentils still need extra cooking time.
- Once the lentils are cooked, remove the bay leaf and strain any excess liquid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
- If you plan to freeze the lentils, drain any excess liquid prior to freezing to prevent them from becoming mushy when thawed.
- Serve the lentils hot, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy lentils!
How to Use Cooked Green Lentils in Your Meals:
- Add them to a salad for an extra boost of protein and fiber.
- Use them as a filling for vegan tacos or burritos.
- Mix them with cooked rice or quinoa for a simple and satisfying grain bowl.
- Blend them into a soup or stew for added thickness and flavor.
- Mash them with breadcrumbs, spices, and veggies to make delicious and healthy veggie burgers.
- Use them as a topping for baked sweet potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Mix them with cooked pasta and your favorite sauce for a protein-packed pasta dish.
- Add them to a vegetable stir-fry for a quick and easy dinner.
One of the things I love about lentils is how quick and easy they are to cook, making them the perfect choice for busy weeknights when I don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Plus, they're widely available at most grocery stores, and you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a big bag of them. Overall, lentils are a family-friendly and easy way to get healthy and inexpensive food on the table that everyone will enjoy.
Don't forget to freeze the leftovers for a quick and easy meal later on!
Plant-based eating never tasted so good - enjoy every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup green lentils
- 3 cup vegetable broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalepeno, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly and set them aside.
- Prepare the veggies by dicing the onion and green bell pepper, and mincing the jalapeño pepper.
- In a large pot, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Let them cook for a few minutes and stir occasionally. If the veggies start to stick, add a little water to the pot.
- Add the minced jalapeño and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Add in the rinsed lentils and stir together with the veggies.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add in the bay leaf. Stir occasionally.
- Allow the lentils to simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes until they have softened. The lentils should be firm but not hard in the middle. You can add in extra liquid (½ cup-1 cup) if the lentils still need extra cooking time.
- Once the lentils are cooked, remove the bay leaf and strain any excess liquid.
- Serve the lentils hot, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.If you plan to freeze the lentils, drain any excess liquid prior to freezing to prevent them from becoming mushy when thawed.
1
Olwyn
This is a magical recipe Shelly! Thank you so much! Am making it again and will keep it on repeat. I love lentils and my only addition here was to add garlic and dried thyme. It will make a great lentil salad base when the weather warms. 5/5 stars!!!❤️
Shelly Hughes
Thank you for the comments! Garlic and thyme would make great addition to the lentils.