Lentils
By: Anonymous

About

Small, disk-shaped legumes high in fiber and protein. There are many varieties of lentils that range in color, from brown to green to red to yellow. They are eaten either whole or unhulled (with the skin still intact) or split in half with or without their skins. These are considered wonder foods as they are very low in fat and rich in essential nutrients like proteins and fiber.

Information
Other names: Daal, Linzen, Pulse
Translations: Lēcas, Lęšiai, Linte, Leća, Đậu lăng, Soczewica, Linzen, दाल, Lentilhas, Чечевица, Φακή, عدس, 렌즈콩, Čočka, Сочиво, 小扁豆, Llenties, Leča, Šošovka, Lenticchie, עדשים, Linser, Lentil, レンズ豆, Lentilles, Linsen, Linser, Linser, Lentejas, Сочевиця, Linssit, Леща


Physical Description
Lentils are small, disc-shaped, protein-rich grains that belong to the legume family. They are available in a variety of sizes and colors. Some lentils are consumed whole, while some are broken into 2 pieces; some are hulled and some unhulled. 
Colors: Yellow, Black, Orange, Green, White,Brown


Tasting Notes
Flavors: mild
Mouthfeel: Juicy, Soupy, Soft and tender
Food complements: Basmati rice, Spices, Salads, Naan (indian bread), Arabic bread
Wine complements: Cabernet sauvignon, White wine
Beverage complements: Iced tea, Lemonade, Ginger tea
Substitutes: Beans


Selecting and Buying
Buying: Packed lentils are available in all supermarkets around the world packaged or loose.They often have little pebbles and other dry dirt that gets in while packaging, so it is always wise to check the lentils carefully before cooking.


Preparation and Use
Most commonly, lentils are cooked and tempered with spices like turmeric, chilly powder, coriander powder, asofoteda, ginger, garlic etc. Soups are also prepared with lentils. 
There are many health benefits in consuming lentils, as they provide vital nutrients required by us, They are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, proteins, potassium, folic acid, and Vitamin B. 
Cleaning: Lentils are never eaten raw and should always be cooked. Lentils should always be washed well with water; before washing, they should be checked thoroughly for the presence of small pebbles and dry dirt that might enter while packaging of the lentils. Some lentils require soaking for a short while before cooking, 


Conserving and Storing
Dry lentils should always be stored in  dry and air-tight containers. In dry conditions, they usually stay good for up to 6 months. Cooked lentils can be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 2-3 days. Whole lentils (Green moong, Black moong) can be soaked overnight and hung in a wet cloth to enable them to sprout. These sprouts can be eaten either raw or boiled for a short while and make a very healthy breakfast salad which can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Comments:
Curt

Did you know:  Most lentals produced in the United States come from an area along the Washington-Idaho border.  Pullman has an annual Lental Festival every summer.
Melissa Peterman

Curtis! I had no idea! Thanks for letting us know
Melissa Peterman

Curtis! I had no idea! Thanks for letting us know
Curt

Did you know:  Most lentals produced in the United States come from an area along the Washington-Idaho border.  Pullman has an annual Lental Festival every summer.
GregDavidson

Nice info to my mind. Thank you a lot for posting that information. 
Greg Davidson
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