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Red Lentils

Red lentils, also known as masoor dal, add vibrant hues of orange and red to your pantry. These split lentils boast a mild, naturally sweet flavor that intensifies during cooking. Their most prized characteristic is how they melt into a luscious, velvety texture when cooked, making them an absolute star in countless dishes.

Why Red Lentils Shine

  • Speed: Red lentils are one of the fastest-cooking lentil varieties. They require no pre-soaking and generally reach a soft, creamy consistency in 15-20 minutes.
  • Flavor: Their inherent sweetness makes them adaptable to sweet or savory recipes. Think spiced dals, rich curries, and even sweet lentil treats.
  • Creamy Texture: This is red lentils’ superpower. They create luxuriously thick soups, dals, and sauces, adding instant heartiness to your dishes.

Where to Use Red Lentils

  • Dals: Red lentils are essential for classic Indian dals – those satisfying, flavorful lentil stews.
  • Puréed Soups: Add instant body, creaminess, and a touch of sweetness to vegetable-based soups.
  • Curries & Stews: They seamlessly thicken curries and stews, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
  • Creative Uses: Explore their potential in dips, spreads, or even vegetarian lentil loaves.

Cooking Red 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 2 1/2 cups of liquid (you can use water from soaking). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
  • Flavor: They are excellent flavor carriers; be bold with your favorite spices!

Red lentils are a fantastic pantry staple for anyone who loves quick, comforting, and flavorful meals. Whether in a classic dal or a vibrant soup, red lentils will deliver a delicious and creamy element to your culinary creations.

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