Lentils - how to use them?

melt71

I want to start using lentils in my recipes. I have some basic recipes for lentils (lentil soup, lentil & carrot soup that type of thing) but I would also like to use them in my casseroles, stews and in place of pasta or rice.

Problem is I don't know anything about them, I've just realised that there are different types but don't know what the difference is or how to cook them.

Does anybody use them as a staple? If so, could you give me some pointers of how to use them as another carb option.

Thanks.

Mel

HappySad

Lentils are good as a protein source.

I use them in casseroles. I use the orange small lentils (don't know what they are called.). I just add all the veg + 2 stock cubes + garlic + some lentils. Add as much or as little as you would like. Then cook for the usual time. The lentils goes into a thick soup within your casserole.

I don't use it in anything else and would love for find new ways of using it.

You can use it in salad....

Pink.

I don't use lentils much except in soup, but I found this link that gives more information from Delia Online

Pink

pawpurrs

I make lentil croquettes (mix with mash and cheese and sometimes fresh corriander coat in breadcrumbs and fry)
Lentil bolanese
Lentil shepherds pie
Lentil Soup
Dahl
Puy lentil salad
Puy lentil mash

savememoney!

Orange lentils can be added and cooked in the meal. Green lentils need to be cooked prior to adding to the meal ingredients. As they are hard and produce a lot of scum.

lentil mix- onion, garlic, tinned toms, salt, pepper, mixed herbs, vegetable oxo, red lentils, water.

Lightly fry onion and garlic after finely chopping, until clear.
Add herbs and s&p, chop and add tomatoes, add 2 handfuls(vary quantities as needed of lentils add extra water )of lentils add water enough to cover lentil mix to allow lentils to absorb and sofen, more can be added during cooking, crumble and add oxo mix thoroughly and cook for 30-45 minutes until lentils are soft.

serve on spaghetti as lentil bolognese or top with mash for "sheeperdess type" pie. Or I love layering with lasagne sheets and cheese sauce for lentil lasagne, serve with salad and homemade garlic bread. Friends love it it's cheap and tasty!!!
Enjoy!!!

melt71

WOW! Didn't realised they had so many uses.

Thanks to all of you for the tips.

Mel