SPICY GREEN LENTILS

SPICY GREEN LENTILS

 

 

 

 

 Turkey is one of the lentils producer countries in the world. Lentils are low in fat and high in protein and fiber. There are several different varieties...from yellow and red to green, brown and black.  They may be sold whole or split halves .

Lentils are quick and easy to prepare, they do not need to be soaked. The trick is to wait to add salt until the lentils are done cooking. Salt can cause the lentils to stay crunchy.

I cook lentils at least ones a week, as  salad, soup, lentil balls or main dish like this recipe. Lentils is the best if cooked with spices.

 

 

INGREDIENTS

2 cups green lentils, washed and drained

4 cups water

1/2 lb /250g  ground beef/ minced meat (optional)

2 Tbsp vegetable oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 Tbsp tomato sauce

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp salt

1 cup hot water

 

 

Put lentils in a saucepan, pour in water. Bring to boil, simmer 10-15 minutes. And drain. 

Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan, add ground meat, stir and fry  until  it is brown. Add chopped onion, stir 5 minutes. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder. Continue to stir, add tomato paste  . Add lentils and  hot water.  Bring  to  boil, cover. Turn heat low and simmer. Cook 20 minutes until lentil is tender. Just few minutes before end of cooking time add salt. Add hot water as needed.

It can be cooked without meat. Heat vegetable oil , add onion and follow the above recipe .

Serve with rice and salad.