Lentils

Lentils receive their scientific name, Lens culinaris, from their curved lens-shaped seed. They are a type of legume that is native to Western Asia and North America. Lentils are one of the earliest domesticated crops, seen in the diets of ancient Rome and Egypt. Many countries enjoy lentils as a dietary staple, as they offer an earthy, mild, nutty flavor that works well in various recipes. Canada leads the world’s production of lentils, followed by India.

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Lentils and health

Lentils are low in sodium and saturated fat, and high in potassium, fiber, folate, and plant chemicals called polyphenols that have antioxidant activity. [1] These nutritional properties have led researchers to study their effects on chronic diseases. Lentils also contain slow-digesting resistant starch that delays the absorption of carbohydrates with blood sugar-lowering effects, as well as being a source of prebiotics that feeds gut flora to help prevent digestive diseases. [1] Animal studies have shown that lentils can lower blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood glucose. [1,2] Human studies have found that lentils may improve cholesterol levels in people with diabetes and may protect against breast cancer in women. [3,4] Learn more about the health-related research on the broader category of legumes. 

Purchase 

Large wooden spoon full of red lentils

The most common types of lentils available in the U.S. are green, brown, black, red, yellow, and orange lentils. Within these categories are specific varieties like the green Puy (lentilles du Puy) or French lentils, or the black Beluga lentils. They may be sold as whole lentils or split with the husks removed. Whole lentils with husks intact take longer to cook and will retain their shape; split lentils without husks cook very quickly and break down into a puree. These differences in texture will determine in which recipes they may be used. Lentils are available dried or canned.

Storage 

Dried lentils keep for one year in a tightly sealed container in a dark, dry, cool location. After cooking, lentils will keep for one week in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer.

Make

  • Before cooking, place the lentils in a strainer and sort through them to check for and remove small stones or debris. Then rinse well.
  • Pre-soaking is not necessary as lentils cook quickly.
  • Combine 3 cups of liquid (water, stock) with 1 cup of clean dry lentils in a medium pot. Bring water to a boil, then cover pan and reduce heat to medium to simmer. Cook until lentils are tender, about 20-30 minutes for whole lentils (typically black, green, brown) and 10-15 minutes for split lentils (typically yellow, red, orange). The total time can be adjusted based on the desired texture. If you desire firmer whole lentils for salads, reduce the cook time; if you desire a softer mushier texture using split lentils, add more time.
  • Split red lentils cook quickly and can break down into a thick pureed texture. They are best used to thicken soups and stews. Whole green and black lentils retain their shape and are an excellent addition to salads and whole grains; they may also be seasoned and served on their own.
  • Canned or vacuum-packed lentils are precooked and ready to add to recipes. Rinse well before using to reduce sodium content.
  • Sprouted lentils are eaten raw and offer a different crunchy texture, but which some people find easier to digest.

Serve

Lentils are highly versatile. They have a rich, earthy texture and will give any dish a boost of fiber and nutrients. They can add thickness and bulk to a recipe. Because of their hearty texture and protein content, they are sometimes used as an alternative for meat. Here are a few ways to incorporate cooked lentils:

  • Toss into salads or cooked whole grains, or fold into an omelet mixture before cooking.
  • Make a pasta sauce thicker and heartier by adding lentils.
  • Substitute cooked yellow or red lentils for chickpeas in a hummus recipe.
  • Reduce the meat mixture in a recipe such as for chilis, stews, taco and pepper fillings, and replace that amount with lentils to add more bulk and nutrients.
  • Use a food processor or blender to grind lentils into a paste and stir into a veggie burger mixture or meatless meatballs.
  • Quick lentil “meat” loaf: Sauté 2 diced small onions and 2 minced cloves of garlic in 3 tablespoons hot olive oil until softened. Mash 3 ½ cups cooked green or brown lentils (about 1 ½ cups dry) in a large bowl. Stir in the cooked onions/garlic, 2 cups cooked brown rice or millet, and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning and mix well. Press mixture into a loaf pan. Brush the top with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and then tomato paste if desired. Bake at 350 F for one hour.
  • Puree 1/2 cup lentils with 2 tablespoons water. In recipes for baked goods like brownies and muffins, substitute half of the fat with 1/2 cup pureed lentils.
French style lentils cooked with carrots, shallots, olive oil, and topped with whole grain mustard, chives, and some creme fraiche.
French style lentils

More recipe ideas and serving suggestions featuring lentils:

Did You Know?

  • In India, dried split lentils are known as dal or dahl, often cooked in a soup or stew and served with rice or chapati or naan bread.
  • Undercooked lentils are difficult to digest and may cause stomach upset.

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