Goodness Red Split Lentils, 500g

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See other products from Beans & Pulses

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, 500g

Recipes

Good :) - Thu 1st Mar 2012
These are very easy to use and versatile as well as healthy, especially as apparently lentils and rice combined make a great protein :)

Here's a recipe I did for myself tonight, very very easy and totally delicious :)

It doesn't really have a name - it's just an Indian style thing.

Here's what you need: (all amounts are approximate and you can adjust to suit your own taste)

For one person (2 helpings 'cos it's so moreish lol)

175g stewing lamb, cubed
1 tablespoon red lentils
1 tablespoon basmati rice
1 can chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon garlic puree
1 teaspoon Schwartz perfect shake tandoori
1 teaspoon medium curry powderbr />1 teaspoon cardamom seeds (buy the pods and take the seeds out by gently crushing the pod)
2 teaspoons dried coriander leaves (fresh coriander would be even better but I didn't have any)
About 600 ml extra water

Method is dead easy, just sling it all into a saucepan, bring to boil, stirring occasionally, then simmer with lid on for about another hour, stirring occasionally (just make sure it doesn't dry right out) It should be wet but not runny when it's done.

Hope you enjoy it :)
Reviewer's Name: MRS PAMELA SAUNDERS

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