Lentils

This vibrant Turkish salad traditionally features nubby mung beans paired with roasted red peppers, fresh herbs, and a tangy pomegranate molasses dressing. This version uses French lentils du Puy as a substitute, since dried mung beans can be difficult to source in the US. The lentils provide a similar firm texture while being widely available. The dish balances earthy legumes with bright citrus, aromatic cumin and sumac, and the fresh bite of mint and dill. Simple yet layered with flavor, it works equally well as a substantial side dish or light vegetarian main course. Serve at room temperature or chilled. ...

This Chinese-inspired hot and sour soup uses tender green lentils instead of traditional bamboo shoots or wood ear mushrooms, creating a heartier, more substantial bowl. The hallmark balance of sour (from rice vinegar) and hot (from white pepper) is perfectly achieved, with silky egg ribbons and a cornstarch-thickened broth that coats the lentils beautifully. It’s quick to make, incredibly comforting, and has that perfect interplay of tangy, peppery, savory, and umami flavors. Serve as a starter or light main course. ...

This vegan interpretation of the Sichuan classic mapo tofu uses tender green lentils instead of tofu or ground pork. The lentils provide a hearty, meaty texture while absorbing the bold, complex flavors of fermented doubanjiang (broad bean chili paste) and numbing Sichuan peppercorns. The dish achieves the hallmark má là (numbing-spicy) sensation with layers of heat from chili oil and a tingling, almost electric numbness from the peppercorns. Deeply savory, richly spiced, and absolutely addictive served over steamed rice. ...

This dal is my and every other Gujarati’s taste of home. One spoonful and I am transported. It has a more complex taste than most dals due to the subtle jabs of star anise, curry leaves, and lemon, all rounded off with the sweetness of honey. Because of the time it takes to soak and cook toor lentils, this is more of a weekend dish in our house, although a daily staple across Gujarat. ...

Special Equipment 5 to 6 quart crock pot/slow cooker Blender or food processor Ingredients Step 1 Coat the inside of the crock pot with cooking spray. Set the cooker to low heat and add the following ingredients: 4 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth 1 cup uncooked green lentils, rinsed and drained 1 cup chopped yellow onion 3/4 cup chopped carrots 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 5 sprigs thyme 4 cloves garlic, minced Cook for 7 hours. ...

Source Milk Street, May 2019 Special Equipment Large dutch oven 12" skillet A paper-towel-lined plate Kitchen towel Ingredients 5 cups water 4 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled 4 bay leaves 2 ½ teaspoons ground cumin ½ teaspoons ground allspice 1 tablespoon salt ¼ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black Pepper 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed and drained 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 medium yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced Preparation Water and Spices In a large Dutch oven over medium-high, combine: 5 cups water garlic bay leaves cumin allspice salt pepper Add Lentils Bring to a boil, then add lentils. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally and adjusting heat to maintain a simmer until lentils are softened but still quite firm at the center- about 10 minutes. Add Rice Stir in rice, return to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the lentils and rice are tender- about 25 minutes. Meanwhile, cook onions In a 12" skillet, heat oil until shimmering. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally at first and then more frequently once browning begins, until the onions are deeply caramelized and crisped- about 10 to 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the onions to a paper-towel-lined plate, spread thin and evenly. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt and set aside. Finish Once the lentils and rice are tender, remove from heat, uncover, lay a kitchen towel over the pot, and place the cover over the towel for 10 minutes. Remove cover and towel, fluff with a fork. Discard bay leaves. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in half the scallions. Transfer to a serving bowl. Top with the onions and remaining scallions. Serve.