Lentils are versatile, high in protein, and have a mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. They are commonly used in soups, casseroles, and pilafs, and are a popular source of protein for vegetarian and vegan cuisine.
Lentils, which are the seeds of some plants in the legume family, have been eaten and cultivated for thousands of years. Thousands of different lentil dishes have been created by the many cultures that commonly use lentils. These seeds are high in protein, inexpensive to grow, and have a mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of different ingredients. Some of the more common types of lentil dishes include soups, casseroles, and pilafs that pair lentils with rice. Tomatoes, onions, carrots, and chili peppers are commonly used in lentil dishes, as are many different spices and herbs.
Some of the more common types of lentil dishes are soups. Lentil soups are traditionally found in France, India, and the Middle East, among other cultural groups. Dried lentils need to be boiled until soft before they can be eaten, making them easier to cook into soups. Lentil soups often contain ingredients like carrots, tomatoes, and onions, which add extra flavor to the broth and lentils. Herbs such as oregano or tarragon or spices such as cumin and chili powder are also commonly used in lentil soups.
It is also possible to prepare cooked lentil dishes as casseroles. In these dishes, the lentils are simmered in the oven in how much water they will absorb when they cook, leaving a soft, runny dish but one with far less liquid than the soup. Many lentil casseroles contain cheese and vegetables that are commonly eaten with lentils, including collard greens, spinach, peppers, and tomatoes.
Pilaf also commonly makes use of lentils. In these lentil dishes, a small amount of lentils are added to the rice and cooked in a broth until both the rice and lentils are soft. These dishes can be eaten as a side dish and provide more nutrients than rice pilaf without adding lentils. Many Middle Eastern countries feature these types of dishes, which are often seasoned with cumin or coriander and may contain nuts and dried fruits.
Vegetarian and vegan cuisine often makes use of lentil dishes as a good source of protein. When cooked, mashed, and mixed with binding agents like flour and oil, lentils can be shaped into loaves. These types of dishes are often eaten in place of meats, particularly in place of a dish like meatloaf, which can be made to mimic a lentil bread.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
