Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Ingredient Spotlight: Lentils

Thanks so much for joining us this week!  We had a blast last week focusing on Sweet Potatoes. There were so many delicious recipes linked up including Cranberry Sweet Potato Bread and Spicy Sweet Potato & Sausage Soup.  Yum. 

This week, we’re focusing on Lentils. 

I know on the surface Lentils are not that exciting, but they are a super food just like the sweet potato.  They are high in protein, have good nutrients for us (like fiber, iron & Vitamin B + 2 essential amino acids), and are dirt cheap.  Yep.  Lentils are one of the best ways to get your protein. 

But, you have to soak lentils before you use them

Why you ask?  Well, it’s because lentils have chemical properties that actually work to inhibit our body’s enzyme trypsin.  Trypsin is responsible for breaking down protein, so if you use lentils without soaking them, chances are you are not getting all that good protein from the lentils. 

How to soak lentils

  • Pour warm or boiling water over your lentils in a large bowl
  • Keep them there for at least 15 minutes, and up to 24 hours. 

Here are our favorite ways to enjoy lentils:

Simple Sausage & Lentil Soup

Cheesy Lentil & Ham Bake

Rice & Lentil Soup

Lentil Minestrone Soup

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

How do you like your lentils? 

1 comment:

  1. I have some lentils that have been in the pantry for a few weeks I was just the other day thinking about making them, so thank you for all the great suggestions.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by! I'd love to hear from you; especially how you're finding JOY in your kitchen.

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