“Lentils are rich in B vitamins, iron, zinc, manganese, phosphorus and magnesium….. When paired with whole grains like rice or barley, lentils form a complete protein.”
“For a tasty main dish, mix cooked lentils with cooked rice, and add your favorite spices. This entree should be served alongside cooked vegetables to make a balanced meal.”
From Experience Life magazine
What I particularly like about lentils is how fast they cook for a dried bean. No pre-soaking required, just 20 or so minutes of simmering, and they are ready. And oh, so cheap too. Cheap is good–the more money to be spent on veggies and fruits! They are also a great substitute for meat in tacos and chili.
I just tried lentils for the first time this week!! They are yummy
Blest, maybe that could be another challenge, to try a new fruit/veggie/whole grain/lean meat that we’ve never eaten before?
Comment by Anne — February 24, 2007 @ 4:58 pm
Also, how long are cooked lentils good in the fridge? 2 days? 4? a week?
Thanks! I appreciate it…
Comment by Anne — February 24, 2007 @ 5:01 pm
Have you seen my recipe for lentil tacos? (also known as Leann’s - she got it from me and then adapted it) It’s 3/4 C lentils ; 1/2 cup brown rice ; three cups water; 1 pkg taco seasoning. Mix in covered casserole dish, cover and bake at 300 degrees for 100 minutes. Eat like you would eat tacos.
My fave was always to have it in a bowl topped with cheese, salsa, and sour cream - eaten with tortilla chips.
If I made it now, I would make my own seasoning (packaged has MSG which is actually a sugar) and eat it with a spoon. Or I would put it in a whole wheat tortilla and eat it like a soft taco.
Comment by blestwithsons — February 24, 2007 @ 5:06 pm
That comment was meant for Anne, Laura. I know you know about the lentil tacos!
And Anne - I had thought of that. Patience, young Jedi!
Comment by blestwithsons — February 24, 2007 @ 5:07 pm
Blest, yeah… I have seen your recipe. I haven’t tried it yet but maybe I will this week! That has to cook for such a long time, though…
Comment by Anne — February 24, 2007 @ 5:23 pm
So make it tomorrow and you can munch on it all week!
Comment by blestwithsons — February 24, 2007 @ 5:39 pm
Anne–cooked lentils should be good for 3-4 days in the fridge, and up to six months in the freezer.
Comment by lady laura — February 24, 2007 @ 5:46 pm
LL, thanks!!
Comment by Anne — February 24, 2007 @ 5:56 pm
Have any of you tried the whole grain tortilla chips? It would probably be good with that recipe…that I haven’t tried. Might have to do that!
Comment by Bethany — February 24, 2007 @ 9:15 pm
The lentil taco recipe is great (and easy) made in the crockpot, too! It also freezes pretty well if you have leftovers that you won’t be using right away. I like it over greens to make a taco salad. DD (21 months) loves it, too!
Comment by Lorri — February 25, 2007 @ 1:10 pm