Who here eats lentils regularly??? Many years ago, when I was a bit clueless about nutrition, I’d think lentils and beans will make you gain weight…. Yes..I was that person… but not anymore!!!! Did you know that lentils are packed with B vitamins, magnesium, zinc and potassium.
Not only that, but they are made up of over 25% protein, which makes them an excellent meat alternative. They’re also a great source of iron, a mineral that is sometimes lacking in vegetarian diets.
They are high in fiber and contain a broad range of beneficial plant compounds called phytochemicals, many of which protect against chronic diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
How to Cook Lentils
1) Bring a pot of water to boil.
Fill it with plenty of water, but leave room at the top for the water to come to a boil, and some extra space to accommodate the lentils.
2) Meanwhile, rinse your lentils.
I soak them for a couple of hours but I have heard that you really don’t need to. Whether you do it or not, make sure you rinse them well before cooking.
3) Once the water is boiling, add the lentils.
Reduce the heat as necessary to maintain a lively simmer. No need to cover the pot—I like to keep an eye on them.
4) Add some flavor boosters.
Add some salt, a clove of garlic, half an onion and half of a green pepper.
5) Meanwhile, cook the “sofrito”.
Cut the the remaining of your onion and your pepper – and another garlic head- small squares and add these to a pan with some oil (or butter). Cook until you see ingredients turning soft at medium heat (around 20 min), then put sofrito in the blender. This is important: when I add the sofrito to the blender I also had the half onion and the half pepper I had added to the pot where the lentils are boiling. I also add some of its liquid so that the mixture blends easily.
6) Add sofrito to the pot and stir gently.
Lentils cook quickly, so once you have added the sofrito chances are they are almost 100% cooked. Stir only for 10 min at low heat.
