All legumes are characterized by a high content of protein and carbohydrates, which are so necessary for the body. This is especially important with the vegetarian way of eating. It is worth paying special attention to such an undeservedly forgotten product as red lentils. Recipes of many cuisines of the world use it as very useful and easy to prepare. We suggest you try making red lentil dishes that successfully diversify your vegetarian menu with new flavors.
Tomato soup
The usual tomato soup is quite popular, but the one proposed differs in that its main ingredient is red lentils. Cooking recipes may vary slightly due to the use of different seasonings. Try serving this colorful motley cold dish in the summer. Its aroma, lightness and a balanced combination of vegetables and lemon juice are very refreshing in the heat.
Structure:
- lentils - 0.5 kg;
- vegetable broth - 1.8-2 l;
- tomatoes or tomato juice - 200 g;
- sunflower or olive oil - 1.5-2 table. spoons;
- onion - 2 pcs;
- garlic - 4 small cloves;
- medium-sized carrots - 3 pcs;
- celery - 3 stalks;
- lemon - 1 pc;
- curry;
- ground black pepper or a mixture of peppers;
- salt;
- hot chili peppers;
- parsley.
Cooking:
- Fry chopped onions and carrots in a deep saucepan in vegetable oil until golden brown.
- Add finely chopped garlic and hazel powder, let the mixture in the oil for several minutes until the aroma of garlic.
- Pour in the broth and, after boiling, add lentils and chopped tomatoes. Cook for 30-40 minutes.
- Season with celery and let it boil for another 10 minutes.
- Pour a little water if necessary to get the desired consistency.
- Squeeze lemon juice in the soup, salt, add spices and parsley.
- Serve with fresh parsley.
"Sunny" side dish of lentils and vegetables
A set of vegetables can be different, but carrots, turmeric and red lentils must be present. The recipes of such side dishes are simple to execute and do not require much time. Cooked dishes due to the use of turmeric have a bright orange tint. We offer you a recipe that is suitable for both vegetarian cuisine and baby food.
Structure:
- lentils - 170-200 grams;
- onion - 1 pc;
- medium-sized carrots - 1 pc;
- Bulgarian pepper yellow or red - 1 pc;
- water - 0.2-0.5 l;
- turmeric - 0.5 tea. spoons;
- olive or sunflower oil - 1.5-2 table. spoons;
- salt, spices to taste;
- dill or parsley.
Cooking:
- In oil, fry the onions.
- Pour finely chopped vegetables and fill with water. The amount of water needed for cooking depends on which dish you want to get in the end - a thick side dish in the form of porridge-stew or tender mashed potatoes. Cook until half cooked.
- After adding lentils and turmeric, simmer another 15 minutes. until completely softened.
- Season with salt and spices.
- Beat the mixture with a blender or mash thoroughly to get mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with greens.
There are many first courses, cereals and side dishes, which include red lentils. You can find recipes in cookbooks or come up with them yourself. Just replace one vegetable with another, add other ingredients, try new seasonings, and your diet will be diversified with new healthy dishes. Good luck