A new 'tougher' thread... and so it continues

Byatt

Fuddle, as Lizzy said too. I only learned about lentils recently on here, I use the red split ones as they don't need soaking, I think you have to rinse them though, and they merge in with the mince and somehow make it extra tasty without even being able to tell lentils are in there. I am sure others will have better information than me though.

ifonlyitwaseasier

slug defence plan

stiltwalker

Hey I knew there were a lot of the nasty little things but I didn't realise there was quite so much variety!

Well it's over! Went to Leeds today for my exam and it wasn't too awful - I think I've done ok, just need to forget all about it now for a few weeks until I get the results. Wine for me tonight! (and takeaway - I've deserved it!)

The kids were good for my parents until daddy got home DD was still chuntering about grandad and tickle tickling when they picked me up from the station!

Got the appointment with the geneticist tomorrow - at least revising has kept my mind of that.

GreyQueen

ifonlyitwaseasier wrote: »

slug defence plan

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Byatt, I've never rinsed a red lentil in my life nor has anyone else I know ever done so. Just chuck 'em in but do remember to adjust the moisture content of the recipe upwards a tad as they absorb the moisture as they cook.

Red lentils (and why are they so-named when they are bright orange? ) are the frugalista's best pal. You can sneak them into all sorts of recipes and they'll bulk the stuff up for pennies, plus they're healthy. You can also sneak porridge oats into meat-based dishes in just the same way and no one need ever be the wiser. Just don't come clean, especially to some menfolk, who seem to have a thing about eating "proper" meat.

Mrs_Chip

If you like asian food red split lentils make a fabulous daal in about 20 mins, with just a few ingredients. For millions of people daal is a staple meal, we tend to have it as a side dish with meat curries but I love it with a chapatti as a quick and spicy meal.

Still waiting to see Mrs OG for the Lemoncello recipe!

fuddle

I've got red split lentils, brilliant. So would that mean theoretically, I wouldn't need to put as much mince in it and still feed the four of us?

I'm a bit shocked at my dog today. You know I have changed his diet from carp dog food to James Wellbeloved on a morning and meat/offal/rice/veg on an evening? Well today my already hyper pup has been off the wall! He's shocked me actually. Either protein makes him go stupidly hyper or the carp I was feeding him was making him sluggish and a bit CBA. I think it's he's no longer on the carp stuff and now needs even more exercise and stimulation. :cool: I'm going to up his walks to two times daily, something I should have been doing anyway but he didn't seem to need it. Now I know why

Possession

Loving the slug defence plan, although I may have used rather more salt than that when being attacked by The Great Slug Invasion last year. Part of me is curious to find out why they all just suddenly appeared all over the lawn, the other part of me definitely doesn't want to know.
And GQ I'm with you on the non-survivalist weekend. I don't do camping after a claustrophobic incident in a tent with 5 others which spent the night collapsing on me at the Grand Canyon. And there weren't even any slugs there, as far as I know.

Fuddle you could cook the same mince but add lentils and portion the extra off for freezing?

[Deleted User]

FUDDLE - It might be that he is so bouncy because he is feeling better and doesn't have a sore tum anymore. How is the lovely smart trolley? Docky has 2 good walks a day, DH takes him along the beach for 5 or 6 miles in the mornings and I do another 4 with him in the afternoon on the roads and pavements to keep his nails worn down. They do seem to need lots of exercise don't they? Puppy is a bit unsettled this evening because his daddy isn't here so I might not be getting a lot of sleep, wish me luck Lyn x.

GreyQueen

fuddle wrote: »

I've got red split lentils, brilliant. So would that mean theoretically, I wouldn't need to put as much mince in it and still feed the four of us?

You could reduce the mince and add some lentils. I add 3 heaped tablespoons per 500 g beef mince when making chilli and this seems to nearly double the volume. The lentils disappear and you're not aware of any loss of taste. Of course, the lentils will reduce the saturated fat content and thus make the meal healthier as well as cheaper.

So, you could proceed as usual, and hold back some to freeze and do another meal, or reduce the meat and add the lentils, depends if you like to double-cook. I find it helpful to have something ready in the freezer for those CBA-Days (IYKWIM).

Byatt

Thanks GQ, I don't actually rinse mine, but sure I saw it on the packet, and thought they might be a good reason for doing so, I'm just a lazy so and so...:cool:

Does anyone know about bills paid through the post office. I knew I shouldn't do something today when I'm in a brain fog mode, but went to PO and paid bill, but it was for less than the amount on the invoice...wrote a cheque, and pretty certain I put the incorrect customer reference on the back as well, plus invoice is in my DD's name and my name is different...so on looking at receipt just now, the woman at the PO has entered the full amount as being paid by cheque, not the £100 less that it was. What happens when they cash up at end of day, will they be able to match the 2 and realise what's happened? I'm now worried the payment won't get to the right people. (If I'd been more on the ball I would have seen I could have done it online, which would have saved all this hassle).

Fuddle, I also add into mince other things if I have them, chopped mushrooms, grated carrot, shredded cabbage etc.

Stiltwalker, so glad the exam wasn't too bad for you. Just a waiting game now.