How a nomad became a lentil
Lentils are one of the oldest plants on our planet. It is known for certain that it was grown in the
Bronze Age. In ancient Egypt, bread was made from its flour. And the Romans, in addition to eating it, used lentils as a medicine. Lentils came to Russia around the fourteenth century. Unlike other beans, boiled lentils are usually very juicy and soft. Due to this property in Russia it was called a nomad. However, later the first syllable โcoโ changed to โche,โ and the nomad began to be called lentil. In the Middle Ages, dishes from these flattened beans were included in the main diet of all segments of the population. In addition, until the nineteenth century, Russia was the largest producer of lentils in the world. However, in the 19-20 centuries, lentils lost their relevance and by itself went out of use. For almost two centuries, many Russians have not even heard of such a bean culture as lentils. What is it and how to cook it? Today, interest in lentils in our country has increased significantly, and all thanks to information about its beneficial properties. Many began to introduce these beans into their daily diets; some began to use lentils during fasting as a product containing a large amount of protein. Nevertheless, for those who are not familiar with lentils, what it is and why it is useful to eat, we will try to give a brief description of it and tell how to cook a delicious, satisfying and diet pie from these beans.
Useful properties of lentils
Firstly, it has been scientifically proven that our digestive system is genetically adapted to lentils. In addition, its fruits contain almost all the beneficial substances that our body needs. They have a sufficient amount of protein, in no way inferior to meat. Lentils are rich in iron, vitamins A, E, group B, PP, many minerals. However, its most valuable property is that, regardless of growing conditions, it does not accumulate, and therefore does not contain any harmful substances, such as nitrates, and therefore is an environmentally friendly product. Lentils can be of several varieties: brown, red, green, dish-shaped, etc. All of them have the above-mentioned properties, however, dish-shaped lentils are the most useful, nevertheless (photo at the beginning of the article). It is indispensable for people with diabetes, because it lowers blood sugar. Now you know what lentils are, what they are and what is the secret of their popularity all over the world.
Lentil Puff Cake
To prepare this pie, we use not puff pastry, but several thin sheets of Armenian pita bread. Firstly, our dish will be less high-calorie, and secondly, it will acquire a special taste inherent in real pita bread.
Essential Products
- 3 sheets of pita bread;
- 1 cup lentils;
- 1 large carrot;
- 1 onion head;
- greens: parsley and dill;
- spices: suneli hop, black pepper;
- salt;
- 1 egg
- vegetable oil.
Cooking Lentils for Stuffing
Boil lentil beans until cooked. Tilt in a colander and drain. Peel and wipe the carrots on a coarse grater. Chop the onions and fry in sunflower oil, add carrots, mix, close the lid and simmer for 5-8 minutes. After this time, add lentils to the vegetables, season with spices and salt, add finely chopped greens. Mix everything lightly. Leave the mixture to cool slightly.
Cake making
On the table lay out whole sheets of pita bread (in a pile). Thoroughly spread the filling on top. Try to carefully roll the pita sheets into a flat roll with the filling. Press down a little, give the shape of a rectangle (width 7-8 cm, length equal to the length of the pita). Grease with an egg and cut into diamonds. Grease a baking sheet with oil, place pies and bake in a preheated oven until golden. The resulting pies will be so tasty and nutritious that it will appear as if the filling used meat, not lentils. "What it is? What delicious mincemeat? โ- your guests will ask you.