Lentils – the little bean that packs a punch
| This superfood gives you protein and cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber, as well as about twice as much iron as other legumes. And lentils are higher in most B vitamins and folate, which is especially important for women of childbearing age because folate reduces the risk of birth defects. Plus, U.S. Department of Agriculture researchers discovered that the pigment in Beluga black lentils acts like an antioxidant and helps protect against heart disease, cancer, and the aging process in general. Not too shabby for something the size of a pencil eraser. Used frequently in the vegetarian or vegan diet.What to do with them: Lentils can be stored a long time, are easy to make, and are one of the cheapest protein sources going, at just 75 cents per pound at grocery stores. And unlike other dried beans, you don’t have to soak them before cooking. Just rinse them in cold water and simmer in water or broth. Enjoy them plain or spiced with herbs, onions, or garlic.
For New Years, my Italian friends prepared me a large pot of lentils and it is traditionally a good sign of money and good fortune for the New Year! Thank you my friends!
My favorite versions of the lentil is the French puy lentil or the black Beluga lentil, which you can buy at Wholefoods. Lentils are extremely versatile, served warm or cold (after the appropriate preparation), here are some delicious uses for the lentil: Seared salmon on a bed of lentils Lentil, couscous, baby tomato, herb salad Chicken curry, lentils, basmati rice and cucumber raiti Lentils, rice and melted goat cheese Mediterranean lentil salad with red wine vinaigrette |
