How to choose and cook lentils: expert advice

Not everyone likes legumes, because the taste of such products is quite specific. But if they are cooked properly, they make a very satisfying, interesting, and healthy meal. For example, lentils are mostly used as an additional ingredient in salads and soups, but they can be used to make many independent dishes. They will turn out really tasty if you follow a few simple tips.

Doctor_md_nutritionist shared how to choose and cook lentils on her Instagram page.

The advantage of lentils over other beans

This product is very quick to prepare:

• After soaking the grains for several hours, lentils will be ready in 10-15 minutes
• Without soaking - in 15-30 minutes

Rules for choosing and cooking lentils

1. Do not buy packaged beans of different colors.
2. Before cooking, rinse the product from debris.
3. There should be 2 times more water than lentils.
4. Before boiling, the beans should be cooked over medium heat, and after the appearance of bubbles, reduce the heat to low.
5. Do not cover the pan tightly with a lid – steam should escape.
6. Remove the foam periodically during cooking.
7. Stir frequently.
8. Salt the product only at the end.
9. You can add vegetables, mushrooms, or meat during or immediately after cooking.
10. Lentils go well with rosemary and cumin.

Dietary lentil cutlets from doctor_galuna_pokhmyrska. Posted on the Instagram page.

Ingredients:

• red lentils - 100 g
• flattened oatmeal - 80 g

• onion - 1-2 pcs.
• carrot - 1 pc.
• parsley - optional
• spices (ground cumin, paprika, marjoram)
• salt, pepper

Method of preparation:

1. Pour lentils into a small saucepan and cover with water by 2 centimeters.
2. Cook over medium heat until the water evaporates.
3. Cool the lentils, add the rest of the ingredients.
4. Finely chop or grate the onions and carrots and add them raw or stew them in a frying pan (add oil at the end, cook with water).
5. Add spices.
6. Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil and bake the cutlets on both sides until a crust forms for 15 minutes at 180 degrees.