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Green Lentils

Move over, brown lentils! Green lentils are here to add a vibrant touch and a satisfying bite to your culinary creations. These lentils come in a range of beautiful shades from pale green to a mottled brown and green. Don't let their mild exterior fool you – they pack a slight peppery kick and boast an incredible ability to hold their shape, even after extended cooking.

Why Choose Green Lentils

  • Texture Champions: Green lentils are the kings and queens of lentil texture. They won’t disintegrate into mush, offering a pleasing bite that makes them a dream for salads and sides.
  • Peppery Flavor: A subtly peppery undertone sets them apart, adding a layer of complexity to dishes.
  • Visual Appeal: Their varied green hues add a stunning visual element to salads and veggie bowls.

Where Green Lentils Shine

  • Salads: Their robust texture makes them stand up beautifully amidst greens, roasted veggies, and flavorful dressings.
  • Pilafs & Grain Bowls: Green lentils add protein, texture, and a hint of peppery flavor that complements grains and vegetables.
  • Warm Dishes: While delicious in salads, they’re equally tasty in warm lentil dishes where some firmness is desired.
  • Side Dishes: A green lentil side adds color, protein, and interesting texture to complement proteins.

Cooking Green Lentils

Brown lentils are incredibly easy to prepare:

  • Soak: To ensure that lentils are not hard after cooking, make sure to soak them for at least 4 hours, but preferably 8 hours or overnight. Some types of lentils may not require soaking, but most of them benefit from it. For soaking, always use about 3 – 4 cups of water for each cup of dry lentils.
  • Cook: Generally, use a ratio of about 1 cup dry lentils to about 3 cups of liquid (you can use water from soaking). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until tender.
  • Flavor: Optionally, you can quickly sauté onions, garlic, or your favorite aromatics and add them to the lentils while they’re cooking.

Green lentils are a fantastic pantry staple for anyone who loves a hearty bite of lentil goodness. Whether you serve them warm or cold, they’ll bring delightful texture and flavor to your meals.

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