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red lentils

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  • newlywed
    newlywed Posts: 8,255 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    celyn90 wrote: »
    :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: how wonderfully devious!! :rotfl:

    I added grated carrots in to mine so when they asked what the orange was, I could say must be carrots ;)

    Took the kids about 6 months or more to even notice and ask what the "orange dots" were :)

    I don't pre-boil mine, but I tend to cook my bolognaise type sauce in the slow cooker all day ;)
    working on clearing the clutterDo I want the stuff or the space?
  • Orange29
    Orange29 Posts: 24 Forumite
    So if I had cooked it long enough i wouldn't have had to handpick them out?
    Ha, will know for next time!
  • newlywed
    newlywed Posts: 8,255 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Orange29 wrote: »
    So if I had cooked it long enough i wouldn't have had to handpick them out?
    Ha, will know for next time!

    Think the pack usually says 30-40 minutes or something - so just cook the sauce longer, you will see the lentils kind of swell and then (as long as any meat is cooked and not still raw ;)) just fish one out to test between your teeth - that's what I do anyways ;). Longer you cook them the less they look like "dots" - which is where I got caught out I think :D
    working on clearing the clutterDo I want the stuff or the space?
  • debbym
    debbym Posts: 460 Forumite
    Oh BTW don't use ones that have been sitting at the back of the cupboard for years - they don't soften

    celyn90 - glad you like it:D
  • ashbart
    ashbart Posts: 465 Forumite
    Following some advice, I have decided to add some red lentils (instead of oats) to my spaghetti bolognaise and chilli to bulk them out and make them more filling.

    I have never cooked with red lentils before - can someone help me? Do I need to soak them or cook them before I put them into the sauces? If so, how long do I cook them for and when should they be added into the meals?

    Thanks!
    Official DFW Member 716 - Proud to be dealing with my debts
  • JennyW_2
    JennyW_2 Posts: 1,888 Forumite
    ashbart wrote: »
    Following some advice, I have decided to add some red lentils (instead of oats) to my spaghetti bolognaise and chilli to bulk them out and make them more filling.

    I have never cooked with red lentils before - can someone help me? Do I need to soak them or cook them before I put them into the sauces? If so, how long do I cook them for and when should they be added into the meals?

    Thanks!

    are they in a tin? If so then you don't have to soak them - put them straight into whatever you are cooking.

    If they are dry (in a packet), then yes they will need soaking prior to using. I think for about half hour but the pack will tell you.

    If they are frozen - they too can be used straight away.
  • marybishop
    marybishop Posts: 761 Forumite
    ashbart - I've started doing this too. No need to pre-soak or cook them before, just add to the meal but they will need about 30 - 40 mins cooking time so put them in as soon as you've added all the other ingredients. They thicken casseroles, etc beautifully - well worth a try. They will soak up some of the liquid so keep an eye on it and add more if necessary.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 12,492 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    just throw a handful in when you start cooking the bolognese. They don`t need soaking and will cook in 25 minutes. Just make sure you have enough liquid as they soak it up

    http://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--975/all-about-lentils.asp
  • ashbart
    ashbart Posts: 465 Forumite
    Thank you, thank you, and thank you! I will chuck them in and hope for the best! :)
    Official DFW Member 716 - Proud to be dealing with my debts
  • Penelope_Penguin
    Penelope_Penguin Posts: 17,242 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker I've been Money Tipped!
    Hi, there! I throw red lentils into sauces with the tinned tomatoes. I find I need to add more liquid, as the lentils soak up quite a lot.

    We have an older thread on lentils, so I'll add this one, to keep suggestions together.

    Penny. x
    :rudolf: Sheep, pigs, hens and bees on our Teesdale smallholding :rudolf:
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