Red lentils: how to cook them and 4 recipes to make the most of them
Would you like to get more out of red lentils, also known as coral lentils? Would you like to go beyond the typical soup? In this article we bring together different ways of cooking them so that you can find a place for them in more dishes than you can imagine.
We have been using them for years, but it was in India where they finally won us over, in a creamy and silky stew known as dahl, which made us understand their full potential. Since then, moreover, they have become much more readily available and usually have a good price, so they are one of those things that are always worth having in the pantry.
Unlike other lentils, red lentils usually come without skin (or with a very thin skin) and that changes their behavior: they cook earlier, are softer and tend to break. This is not a defect; it is their superpower. When used well, they yield creams, pâtés and vegetable doughs with a surprisingly round texture.
And be careful, because they can be used for more than the typical: did you know that red lentils can be used to prepare pancakes or even creams for dipping?
Here are 4 recipes with red lentils to incorporate them into your weekly menu with varied and non-repetitive ideas.
Red lentils in the kitchen: Same but different
- Quick cooking: they are usually ready in 12-18 minutes, depending on the point you are looking for.
- No soaking: they do not need it in most cases.
- Creamy texture: perfect for purees, soups, dahl and fillings.
- Mild flavor: they go well with spices, citrus fruits, sweet vegetables (pumpkin, carrots) and fresh herbs.
Here we tell you how to cook them, in their most classic form, step by step:
Red lentil and pumpkin soup
A spoon dish that goes down well on its own: the pumpkin adds sweetness and the red lentils do the rest, leaving a dense, silky cream without the need for cream. It is perfect for weeknight dinners, and it keeps very well in the fridge: the next day it is usually even better, with more settled flavors.
On the menu tonight, a super comforting and spicy soup to travel while staying cozy under a blanket. Rich in plant-based proteins thanks to the red lentils, this complete soup will also highlight one of the seasonal squashes: butternut :-) It's your...
Coral lentil dip
A vegetable dip with an unctuous texture and pleasant flavor, ideal for when you feel like an appetizer that is not just "snacking for the sake of snacking". It goes very well with crudités, toasted bread or crackers, and lends itself to variations: a touch of cumin, lemon, smoked paprika or fresh herbs changes the register without complicating anything.
For your appetizer, plan an easy and homemade recipe! Why not try our coral lentil dip? Creamy and flavorful, your guests will love enjoying it with vegetable sticks or chips. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, those with intolerances or allergies will...
Coral lentil and carrot patties
The carrot reinforces the natural sweetness of the red lentil and helps to build a juicy dough, easy to form and with good browning in the pan or oven. These patties are designed to be eaten with your hands, as a snack, or to be served with a simple sauce (spicy tomato, yogurt with garlic, or tahini with lemon).
These patties are super easy to make and are made from legumes: coral lentils. Their orange color will add vibrancy to your plate and pair perfectly with carrots. A great way to incorporate vegetables and plant-based proteins into your meal. Naturally...
Red lentil dahl
If one had to choose a recipe that explains why this legume is so grateful, it would be the dahl: spices, onion, tomato (or not) and red lentils that, in a few minutes, become a creamy and enveloping stew. It's perfect with rice, with flatbread or as is, by the spoonful. And it accepts whatever you have: spinach at the end, a little coconut, lemon to lift, chili if you feel like it.
In the category of comforting and original recipes, we love this red lentil dahl! Not only does it introduce this legume to the whole family, but this dish is also vegetarian. A great way to diversify your menus while enjoying yourself :-) Enhanced...
Patricia González
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