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Red Lentils
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Red Lentils Recipe

Cooking red lentils is relatively easy, and they can be used in a variety of dishes like soups, stews, curries, and salads. Here's a basic method for cooking red lentils.
Author Fareeha

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 2-3 cups water or vegetable broth for cooking
  • Salt to taste

Optional seasonings and ingredients to add flavor:

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Spices such as cumin, turmeric, coriander, or paprika
  • Fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley
  • Tomatoes
  • Coconut milk for a creamy texture

Instructions

Rinse the Lentils:

  • Place the red lentils in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse them under cold running water. This removes any dust or debris and helps prevent excess foaming during cooking.

Optional: Sauté Aromatics:

  • In a large saucepan or pot, you can start by sautéing aromatics like onions, garlic, and ginger in a bit of oil or butter until they become fragrant and translucent. This step adds extra flavor to your dish.

Add Lentils and Liquid:

  • Add the rinsed red lentils to the pot with the aromatics (if used) and stir them for a minute or two. Then, add 2-3 cups of water or vegetable broth to the pot. The amount of liquid will depend on your preferred final consistency. If you want a thicker dish, use less liquid; for a soupier consistency, use more.

Season and Simmer:

  • Season with salt and any other spices or seasonings you prefer. Common choices include cumin, turmeric, coriander, and paprika. You can also add a bay leaf for extra flavor. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce Heat and Simmer:

  • Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the lentils are soft and have broken down. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on how soft you want the lentils to be.

Optional:

  • Add Vegetables or Tomatoes: If you want to add vegetables or tomatoes to your dish, do so during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, depending on their cooking time. This ensures they don't become too mushy.

Adjust Consistency:

  • If the mixture becomes too thick during cooking, you can add more liquid to achieve your desired consistency.

Taste and Adjust Seasoning:

  • Taste the cooked lentils and adjust the seasoning with more salt or spices if necessary.

Serve:

  • Red lentils are ready to serve as a side dish or as the base for various recipes. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if desired.

Notes

Red lentils cook relatively quickly and become soft and creamy, making them a versatile ingredient for a wide range of dishes. You can customize the flavor by experimenting with different spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.