A.K.A

lentils

What is it?

Lentils, like other legumes, are seeds that grow inside of pods. What distinguishes lentils from the thousands of other legumes such as peas, beans, and peanuts is their double-convex, lens-like shape. In fact, the word lens comes from the Latin word for lentil. Common brown lentils are the mainstay of traditional lentil soup because they tend to disintigrate when cooked and thicken the soup.

Kitchen math:

1 lb. = about 2-1/4 cups = about 5 cups cooked

Don’t have it?

You can substitute other lentils, though their texture and flavor will differ some. French green lentils can sub in salad and side dishes but red lentils, which also fall apart during cooking, are a better substitute in a soup.

How to choose:

你可以找到布朗扁豆(通常称为借给ils) in supermarkets near the dried beans and split peas.

How to prep:

Pick the lentils over for tiny stones or other debris and rinse well. Unlike dried beans, lentils don’t to be soaked before cooking; they cook in about 30 to 45 minutes.

How to store:

Stored airtight in a cool dry place, lentils will last at least a year.

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Recipes

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  Recipe

  Fakosalata (Lentil Salad with Oranges)

  This gorgeous dish is a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth—light, refreshing, colorful, and delicious.

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  Recipe

  Curried Lentil-Scallion Pancakes

  Though you can’t see the lentils in this dish, you can definitely taste their earthy flavor. Make the pancakes big and slice them to portion for serving. Or make silver-dollar-size…

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  Recipe

  Spanish Pardina Lentil and Chorizo Stew

  Despite its humble looks, this stew is full of bold flavors and is super satisfying. Serve it with crusty bread and a bottle of red wine, and you’re all set…

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  Recipe

  Caramelized Celery with Lentils

  The toasty flavor of caramelized celery pairs well with earthy lentils and an unusual finishing touch of dill, maple, and cider vinegar.

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  Recipe

  Lentils with Garam Masala, Coconut, and Pomegranate Seeds

  Like a soup or stew, Indian dal features a delicious broth, as does this flavorful, creamy vegetarian take. Studded with jewel-like pomegranate seeds, this dish should be paired with raita…

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  Recipe

  Brown Rice Salad with Apples and Cheddar

  This hearty grain and lentil salad travels well, making it great for a weekday lunch.

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  Recipe

  Salmon, Lentil, and Rice Kedgeree

  Kedgeree is a British colonial dish of Indian inspiration made with cooked, flaked fish (usually smoked haddock), rice, hard-cooked eggs, and curry powder. Here, leftover cedar-planked salmon stands in for the haddock.…

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  Recipe

  Curried Lentil Soup

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  Recipe

  Spiced Lentil Soup with Herbed Yogurt