Lentils are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in various dishes. Their mild flavor and quick cooking time make them ideal for weeknight meals or when you want a healthy, plant-based option. Here we present three easy lentil dishes that will impress both your family and guests.
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
- 200g green lentils
- 400g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 150g cucumber, diced
- 100g red onion, finely chopped
- 75g Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of one lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Start by rinsing the lentils under cold water. Place them in a pot with enough water to cover by about an inch, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Drain and let cool. Combine the cooled lentils, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice with salt and pepper to taste. Pour dressings over salad, tossing gently to combine.
Lentil Soup
- 200g green lentils
- 150g onion, chopped
- 75g carrot, peeled and diced
- 75g celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 800g vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened about 5 minutes. Add the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Stir in cumin and season with salt and pepper.
Lentil Curry
- 200g green lentils
- 75g onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 400g coconut milk
- 150g tomatoes, diced
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rinse the lentils under cold water. Add them into a pot with coconut milk, bringing it to a boil then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes. In another pan, sauté onion and garlic until softened about 5 minutes. Stir in curry powder. Combine onions and garlic mixture with the lentil broth, add tomatoes, salt and pepper. Simmer everything together for another 10-15 minutes.
Serve any of these dishes immediately or refrigerate for later use. Enjoy!