Goodness Red Split Lentils, 3kg

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Product Details

Red lentils are less common than brown lentils and have a slightly sweeter taste than the brown. They take a little less time to cook although they tend to become somewhat mushy and are therefore more suitable to soups and stews.

The lentil plant belongs to the family legume and is a cousin to peas. The plants are grown for their seeds, which are contained in pods. The botanical name derives from their resemblance in shape to the lens of the eye. Often left to dry on the plant before they are harvested, they can be cooked in many ways as well as being ground into a flour. They are used in countless cuisines worldwide and are a staple diet in many middle eastern countries and India.

Origin and History of Lentils
The Lentil is one of the oldest cultivated legumes, and is believed to be native to South Western Asia and Northern Syria.

The lentil has been an important crop from the earliest of times and was cultivated along with wheat, barley, peas, and flax. During the Neolithic period they spread to Greece and Bulgaria and during the Bronze Age to the Near East and Mediterranean. They are mentioned in The Bible's first chapter, Genesis, in the story of Esau who gave up his birthright for a dish of lentils (Genesis 25: 30-34). The ancient Greeks also enjoyed lentils, which they not only used in soups but also to make bread.

Because lentils are rich in protein and carbohydrates and are a good source of calcium, phosphorus, iron and B vitamins they made a natural staple to supplement other sources of protein. The mass cultivation has lead to changes in the size with cultivars today producing larger seeds that their originals.

Serving Suggestion

Use in soups, stews and pates.

Cooking Instructions

Bring to the boil, simmer for approx 20 min.

Ingredients

Just red split lentils and nothing else.

Nutritional Information

Typical analysis per 100g: Energy: kJ 1260 kcal 300 Protein: 24g Carbohydrate: 53g Fat: 1g

Cautions

Packed in a factory that handles nuts.

Recipe

Lentil Dahl:
1 cup yellow split peas
3 1/2 cups water
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
1 Tbsp. oil
1/ 2 tsp. turmeric
1 tsp. ginger
2 tsp. minced garlic
2 chopped tomatoes
2 medium onions, chopped
1/2 cup split white gram beans
1/4 cup yellow mung beans
1/4 cup red lentils
1/2 tsp. Indian chili pepper or 1 tsp. paprika
3-4 Tbsp. chopped fresh coriander/cilantro

Preparation:

1. Cook the lentils along with the ginger and salt (in the water) until they are soft (20-30 minutes).
2. In a separate saucepan, heat the oil and then add the cumin seeds. When the seeds begin to splutter, add the garlic and tomatoes and sauté for a few moments. Add the salt and other spices and stir well. Add the beans and the water they cooked in, and mix well. Let it cook for one minute.
3. Garnish with the cilantro and a dollop of plain yogurt (optional).

Vegetarian

Customer reviews - Goodness Red Split Lentils, 3kg

Recipes

Lentil & Tomato Soup - Sun 15th Jan 2012
Scald, skin and chop 750 g ripe tomatoes. Heat 1 tbsp sunflower oil in a saucepan on a low heat. Add a finely chopped onion and a crushed garlic clove and soften. Add the tomatoes, 125 g split red lentils, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp each of dried thyme and dried marjoram and stir for 2 mins or until the tomatoes are soft. Mash them down with a fork or potato masher. Pour in 600 ml stock, bring it to the boil and season with ground black pepper. Cover the pan and simmer for 45 mins or until the lentils are soft. Serve in individual bowls topped with some natural yoghurt.
Reviewer's Name: Emma

Reviews

An easy pulse - Mon 11th Oct 2010
When I am in a rush but still want my pulses, these are ideal, since they need no soaking, they cook in no time, the flavours are rich and the texture hearty. And, what a colour! Great for soups, stews, dhals, pâtés, quiches... Excellent value. A staple!
Reviewer's Name: Gaelle Chassery

- Tue 21st Jun 2011
Great lentils for as much dahl as you dare. Not much you can say about a red lentil, but these are very good value, especially if you buy 3kg at a time as I did, albeit by accident...
Reviewer's Name: DR D BAMBER

Lentils! - Tue 23rd Oct 2012
Great lentils. Use in curries, veggie stews, tomato & lentil soup, lentil rissoles.
So satisfying and tasty.
Huge bag, cheap as anything. What could there be to complain about?
Reviewer's Name: Mz B

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