Lentils

Key facts

Lentils are a brilliant source of protein and iron and are rich in many vitamins and minerals, making them a great source of nutrition in some of the poorest parts of the world. Mixed with rice, lentils offer a highly nutritious meal. In India they are used in the north of the coutnry to make dal.

The easiest of all the pulses, because they don't need pre-soaking, there are in fact over 60 varieties of lentils. But as far as whole lentils are concerned there are three main types that concern us. Most popular are the green-brown variety (as I call them since they're usually a mixture of both colours) that look like little pills. I love their flavour, and if I never had any more meat I'd be content with a plentiful supply of these around.

There is a smaller version, sometimes called Chinese lentils, which are more red-brown and also rarer and more expensive. The French Puy lentils have a very superior flavour. I have included these tiny grey slate-like lentils in quite a few recipes as they retain their shape and texture when they're cooked, without going mushy.

To accompany a meal for two, place about 1½ oz (40 g) lentils in a small saucepan with 4 fl oz (120 ml) water and some salt. Next, bring them up to simmering point and gently simmer without a lid for about 30 minutes, or until they are tender but still have some bite and retain their shape, by which time most of the water will have been absorbed.

They are also excellent cooked with an onion first sweated in olive oil with rosemary or thyme, and simmered in red wine. Serve with meat or fish, or they're also very good in a salad.

Split lentils are literally filleted lentils, with the skins removed and split naturally into two halves. They cook into a mush very quickly and are suitable for thick purées and soups.

Related Recipes

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 Serves 2 as a main course or 4 as a starter

Warm Lentil Salad with Walnuts and Goats' Cheese

A tin of cooked lentils allows you to rustle this lovely, French-inspired salad up in minutes. You could also serve it without the cheese as an accompaniment to chicken and fish. Let's raise the pulse rate!

 

 

 Serves 1

Sauteed Spiced Vegetables with Lentils

A simple and cheap vegetarian recipe for one that's certainly full of flavour! Adapt it to suit other vegetables if you prefer and serve it with filling and nutritious brown rice.

 

 

 Serves 6

Spiced Chicken with Lentils

Another recipe that's cheap but full of flavour and good nutrition: chicken cooked with a mixture of lentils, tomatoes and spices for a warming and healthy supper dish.

 

 

 Serves 4

Lentil, Bean and Anchovy Salad

Just add bread to this lovely beany salad - a cheap and easy meal for very little money and proof that you don't need to spend a lot to eat royally.

 

 

 Serves 6

Lentil and Vegetable Curry

Lentils and other pulses are invaluable if you need to eat cheaply - not only do they fill you up but they are also an important source of pure protein and less expensive than chicken or meat. This spicy veggie curry is a good example…