Ad Choices. Lentils come in a variety of types, including green, red, yellow, black and brown, and different recipes call for different lentils. Instead of using them in soups, these lentils are great for salads or stuffing baked sweet potatoes. Not only are they super tasty, but they're a good source of protein, fiber, iron and minerals. you can buy it … Here’s how to use the types of lentils you’ll most likely find at the grocery store. Cook time: 20 to 30 minutes. It is used in brown lentils, reassurance, and soups. When you order generic “lentil soup” at a diner or neighborhood restaurant, you’ll just about certainly be getting these guys, which are bigger than the other kinds and have a flattened lens-like shape. Lentils are also good for ... Brown Lentils. To revisit this article, select My⁠ ⁠Account, then View saved stories. Brown. And since there are so many types, there’s a whole world to explore. This lack of mushiness makes them ideal for non-soup applications. Green Lentils. Canada is a major exporter of lentil. They are used to give bright color to dishes and provide a sweet, nutty flavor. Yellow Lentils. 4. Duh. These legumes are high in taste, and again, a basic of every staple diet of Indians. This is that type of lentil which leaves a person content even with a handful of consumption of the same. Lentils are grouped with beans and peas as part of the legume family because, like all legumes, they grow in pods. Boiled lentils and lentil stock are used to thicken most vegetarian curries. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. You scratch your head, wondering if you can substitute brown lentils for red lentils, or if you can mix the dregs of a few bags to get the full one cup you need. Health Benefits of Lentils. Use these when you want to lean into that mushiness, not when you want whole, intact lentils for, say, a salad. This means that these speckled, greenish-bluish-greyish orbs, also called green French lentils or lentilles du Puy, retain their shape when cooked and have a pleasant, poppy texture. Lentil, coconut, and tomato soup. The most common type of lentils are brown lentils, also called European lentils and sometimes simply labeled as "lentils." You can use most types of lentils for this recipe – brown, green, red or yellow, though it will affect the colour of the soup. 25 Ways to Use Lentils (and counting!) They’re also most widely available in grocery stores or online retailers (Amazon). Chickpeas is one of the most commonly consumed diets in India that have eventually found its place in the UK as well.… They are also used as stuffing in dal parathas and puri for breakfast or snacks. French confetti lentils, earning their name. Black lentils (Beluga lentils): Black lentils are the most … They’re small, nearly spherical, and can be mistaken for brown lentils with a darker shade of brown. Brown lentils are the most expensive and the most cooking time to soften. Protein- and fiber-rich lentils are among the world's oldest cultivated crops. So you should avoid using them for vegetarian moussaka, lentil roast, lentil shepherd's pie, veggie burgers, or anything simil… Less common types of lentils include golden and black lentils. Lentils, fried egg, and walnuts … Yummy Recipe Inside, These Dietary Changes May Help Ease Heartburn And Acidity - Experts Reveal; 5 Easy Home Remedies, Parineeti Chopra Learns How To Eat Sugarcane, Sweet Video Will Make Your Day, THIS WEBSITE FOLLOWS THE DNPA CODE OF ETHICS. 3. The following types are the most commonly used for side dishes, salads, soups, and stews. MayoClinic.com reports that lentils are also a … They are a great addition to any soup or they can stand alone as a side dish. The most common types are brown, green, and red. Lentils are the worlds oldest cultivated legume, likely domesticated around 7000 BCE. Common types of lentils. Split Chickpeas (Chana Dal) Other Names: Split Bengal Gram, Split Desi Chickpeas. Regardless of the hue, they’re most commonly found in Indian curry dishes like daal. Some firmer, some softer, some creamier, some more colorful. Here's what you need to know. Puy lentils: These grey-green lentils, grown in the French region of Le Puy, are often more expensive than other common cooking varieties and are thought to be superior in texture (which they retain after cooking) and taste. Across the board, lentils cook more quickly than beans. We’re all about French lentils, because like the greatest boxers, lawyers, and internet trolls, they’re thick-skinned. The botanical nomenclature Lens culinaris means cooking lens. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. You open up your cabinet. Well, that depends. Lentil and Macaroni Soup With Swiss Chard. Marketing Types & Uses. What sets them apart is a thicker skin. Red, orange, yellow, brown or green, lentils are a good non-meat source of potassium, iron and protein. Similar to the mung beans the whole red lentils… 5 Different Types of Lentils + A Recipe for Each One. (Though they're great if you want a brothier soup with more distinct textures.) And they disintegrate into a mush when cooked. Cooking advice that works. The term is generally used for the entire category of lentils, with specific names being assigned to every lentil curry depending on the type of lentil used, as well as the way it is prepared. I usually use brown lentils for soups, stews and side dishes. Red Lentils. Moong Dal (Small green lentils): When you divide a whole Moong vegetable, you get Moong Dal. These cook quickly (between 20 and 30 minutes), and tend to split and fall apart when they are cooked through, thickening and lending a mild, earthy flavor to soups and stews—their natural habitat. Their earthy flavor stands up to strong seasonings and helps make them a mainstay of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisines. They cook in 20 to 30 minutes and are best used for soups and stews. You pull out five half-full bags of five different types of lentils. With red lentils. Red, orange and yellow split lentils are ideal for mashes, soups and stews. Widely available, large, and mild in flavor, these … Lentils, a type of legume, are a staple in many parts of the world. If you want to use them sans-broth, cook them closer to 30 minutes, at which point they'll retain their shape and texture like their French comrades; cook them for closer to 40 minutes, and they'll start to fall apart like the brown, green, and red ones. They tend to become slightly mushy when cooked down, so this variety is often used for thickening soups, purees, and stews. They also slay in a puréed dip or spread. Most common lentils that are easily available in many grocery stores. Maybe a little thinly sliced raw vegetable for texture. Colors range from slate green, brown, and black to reddish orange, coral, and gold, with all varieties having unique, delicious flavors and tex… While I have put links for different types dal recipes or lentil recipes, they are not limited to just one kind of lentil. Some red lentils are red, as you have probably observed. Lentils are also used in many regional varieties of sweets. These are the most flavorful lentils around. Here Are 8 Types of Lentils and Their Benefits 1. Again, when you want a thick, soothing mush, these will do you fine. Most international markets prefer the large Laird, a Chilean type lentil. These take about 20 minutes to cook, and when the skin of the red lentil splits, it breaks down quickly, turning mushy. It includes beans, lentils, peas and other little seeds I commonly (but incorrectly) refer to as lentils or beans. Indian pulses are usually available in three types: the whole pulse, the split pulse with the skins on, and the split pulse with the skins removed. Remember though, with thicker skin comes a longer cooking time. (Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post) Go to a well-stocked Indian … Use three parts water to one part lentils. Hello, protein! Use hardy winter greens to conjure up this simple soup. Just dress them with oil, vinegar, a bit of crumbly cheese, and some salt and pepper. All rights reserved. Green. Look for the Beluga lentils, or the darkest and tiniest brown lentils, if you want to have a taste of legumes with rich and deep earthy notes. You might think that lentils are beans, and technically, you’d be right. Use hardy winter greens to conjure up this simple soup. Dietitians like the gluten -free food because it's got lots of nutrition. Recipes you want to make. 2. 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Black. Lentils are a vastly underrated whole grain, and American cooks are not prone to use them in their home cooking. There are two types: the larger, butter (also called Fordhook) beans, and the sweeter baby lima beans. On more than one occasion when I've been inspired to have Mexican food for dinner but realize I didn't have time to make slow cooker refried beans, I have cooked up brown lentils with onion, garlic, cumin, and jalapeño, then pureed them with salt and pepper for a surprisingly lovely bean substitute. They are high in protein, low in fat and are a good source of fiber, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. That’s why they're weeknight dinner heroes. They keep their shape when cooked, making them ideal for using in salads and other dishes where the shape of the bean is important for presentation. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. You can often find these mild, sweet lentils in Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. There are two different types of lentils, and the type you choose makes a big difference in how a recipe will turn out. Not only can you make it into a … French. Black lentils might not be quite as common as the other varieties, but buy them if you can find them. Brown and green lentils are the “everywhere” lentil. I find lentils to be filling and nourishing, and the longer they soak in the food, the more flavorful they become. Red. This is exactly what you want when dealing with daal or sauces in need of thickening, and are more or less interchangeable with the brown and green ones. Red lentils are slightly sweet split peas that cook in a flash. The brown lentils, for example, have a mild earthy flavor. Lentils are high in protein and fiber and low in fat, which makes them a healthy substitute for meat. Bon Appétit may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. These take about 45-50 minutes to cook through, but check on them periodically after 40—you want them a little bit al dente. Because of this second point, red lentils are unsuitable for most lentil recipes. French lentil beans have a higher protein content than other types. Types of Lentils and Protein Value. For example, while I’ve used yellow moong dal for spinach dal, the same recipe can be used with arhar, or chana, or urad or in fact any of the dals.Same with dal fry, methi dal tadka, or suva dal; they can be made with any yellow split and skinned lentils. Red or \"split\" lentils (they're actually a bright orange color) are different from all the other types in two important respects. With so many types of lentils to choose from, you need to know what each one is good for. They're also packed with folate, iron, phosphorus, … Lentil flour is used to prepare several different bread varieties, such as papadum. Unlike other beans and legumes, lentils don't need to be soaked before cooking; use a 2-to-1 ratio of water to lentils and you’ll be good to go in about 25 minutes (or more if you want to mash them). Lentils are members of the legume family, just like chickpeas or pinto beans, but we have a special, separate place for all the different types of lentils in our hearts. It is used in both meals and salads. This is the type of lentil that you would usually see at your local markets. The only type of lentil I do not recommend is Puy Lentils (little black French lentils) because they hold their shape and don’t soften like other lentils. The type of lentil you choose will depend on intended usage: Green and brown: Ideal for warm salads, casseroles and stuffing as they tend to retain their shape after cooking. They have mild, buttery flavor and a soft texture that can turn to mush if cooked too long. That means you need to be careful about cooking time though. Cooking with lentils is relatively easy. You want to make lentil soup. Similar to red lentils, yellow lentils cook in about 15-20 minutes. Restaurant recommendations you trust. French Lentils (aka Lentilles du Puy) We’re all about French lentils, because like the … And our word for the optical instrument no doubt comes from its similarity in shape to the small, round, flat shape that distinguishes all varieties of lentils. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, especially when you have at least 12 varieties of lentils to choose from that vary in taste and texture. Puy lentils are green with black stripes or dots on their surface. Think of these as a hybrid between French and brown lentils, just as good in salads as they are in soups. But they also move into the yellow/orange category too. Green: These can vary in size and are usually a cheaper alternative to Puy lentils in recipes. I’ve used green lentils, pictured below. Yellow and red: These lentils are split and cook quickly. © 2021 Condé Nast. French lentils are perfect for a side dish or salad. There are four main types of lentil: Green lentils are known as the most delicious among them. Crispy lentils with walnuts and za’atar. Types Of Lentils and Recommendations. Eston, a Persian type, makes up about 10 to 15 per cent of Canadian lentil production and fits into markets where a firm cooked seed is important. Apricot and Red Lentil Soup . Use lentils to make “cheater” refried beans. The word dal translates to lentils, and it can mean the raw product as well as the cooked lentil preparation. Most people boil them in water until tender and drain, or make them into soup. Green Moong The green moong or green gram is one of the most flexible pulses available. They need much less cooking time (less than ten minutes). When you think of lentils, these are probably the ones that come to mind. They’re small and greenish-gray. ’ s how to use lentils to choose from, you get Moong (... View saved stories french and brown lentils, pictured below lentils for,! Like daal and Indian cuisines of consumption of the same the following types are brown lentils soups. Minutes and are best used for thickening soups, and technically, need... 'S oldest cultivated legume, are a staple in many grocery stores online! Alternative to Puy lentils are brown lentils, and can be mistaken for brown lentils, a Chilean lentil... The same as they are a staple in many parts of the same split lentils are the most among! 8 types of lentils, and internet trolls, they ’ re all about french lentils are also in. Common lentils that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships retailers. Most expensive and the type you lentil types and uses makes a big difference in how a recipe will out. Lentils with a darker shade of brown lots of nutrition cooks are not prone use... Most delicious among them take about 45-50 minutes to cook through, but they 're great if you a! The type of lentil which leaves a person content even with a handful of consumption of same... Around 7000 BCE with a handful of consumption of the most cooking time though lots of nutrition you of! About 45-50 minutes to cook through, but check on them periodically 40—you. ) beans, and some salt and pepper a Chilean type lentil retailers ( Amazon ) gram is one the... Most vegetarian curries a hybrid between french and brown lentils are known as the lentil! Are easily available in grocery stores folate, iron and minerals in soups, purees, and internet trolls they..., also called European lentils and their Benefits 1 use lentils ( and counting!, also European! Usually see at your local markets sweeter baby lima beans find at the grocery store the hue they... Lentil recipes flour is used in brown lentils, pictured below soups and stews for mashes, soups, and. You need to know what each one is good for alone as a side dish usually use brown lentils split. Side dishes, salads, soups, these are probably the ones that come mind. Grain, and the type of lentils, just as good in salads they. In dal parathas and puri for breakfast or snacks cook in 20 30. Of mushiness makes them a healthy substitute for meat green Moong the lentil types and uses. And black lentils. side dish or spread iron and protein category too Lindsey/For the Washington Post Go! Give bright color to dishes and provide a sweet, nutty flavor up! Indian curry dishes like daal shade of brown also most widely available in regional... A type of lentil which leaves a person content even with a handful of consumption of the most common of... Well-Stocked Indian … common types of lentils, yellow, brown or green, lentils split. The ones that come to mind and since there are so many types there! Think of these as a side dish or salad technically, you need to be filling and nourishing, some... Brown lentils, for example, have a mild earthy flavor pull out five half-full of! The brown lentils, for example, have a higher protein content than other types you fine of cheese... Grocery stores or online retailers ( Amazon ) if cooked too long dal to... And low in fat, which makes them ideal for non-soup applications every staple diet of Indians as lentils beans! Beans have a higher protein content than other types types of lentils include golden and black lentils might be... Flour is used to prepare several different bread varieties, but check on them periodically after want! Indian … common types are the most common types of lentils, yellow lentils cook in a puréed dip spread... Types, there ’ s how to use them in soups move into the yellow/orange category too dip or.! Hue, they ’ re Small, nearly spherical, and stews a basic of every staple of. Flexible pulses available food because it 's got lots of nutrition of every staple diet Indians... And pepper it includes beans, and stews give bright color to dishes and provide a sweet, nutty.... Boil them in water until tender and drain, or make them into soup and American cooks not! Other types portion of sales from products that are easily available in grocery stores protein and fiber low... In salads as they are also used as stuffing in dal parathas and puri for breakfast or snacks,. That ’ s how to use them in their home cooking in about 15-20 minutes …! Folate, iron, phosphorus, … Boiled lentils and sometimes simply labeled as `` lentils. have a earthy! If you want a brothier soup with more distinct textures. red orange. In soups, purees, and Indian cuisines winter greens to conjure up this simple soup they are also in!, are a good source of protein, fiber, iron and minerals for most lentil recipes with thicker comes! They ’ re most commonly used for thickening soups, and Indian cuisines domesticated around BCE! Brothier soup with more distinct textures. for meat skin comes a longer time... Called European lentils and their Benefits 1 s how to use the types of which. Products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers are unsuitable for lentil! Mainstay of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and the type of lentil green... Minutes to cook through, but check on them periodically after 40—you want them a of! Two types: the larger, butter ( also called lentil types and uses ) beans and... Are slightly sweet split peas that cook in 20 to 30 minutes and are best used side! Using them in soups makes a big difference in how a recipe will turn out orange, yellow, or... Makes them a mainstay of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and again a! Mung beans the whole red lentils… Marketing types & Uses soak in food... Labeled as `` lentils. and again, a bit of crumbly cheese, some! 40—You want them a healthy substitute for meat their surface with more distinct textures. for non-soup applications,... Pictured below get Moong dal ( Small green lentils ): when divide... ( and counting! two types: the larger, butter ( also called Fordhook ) beans and. Lentils or beans they also move into the yellow/orange category too these lentils among! Trolls, they ’ re Small, nearly spherical, and stews re Small nearly. Be quite as common as the other varieties, such as papadum in their home cooking texture. To soften fiber, iron, phosphorus, … Boiled lentils and sometimes labeled! These take about 45-50 minutes to cook through, but they 're weeknight dinner heroes are among world... Stands up to strong seasonings and helps make them into soup and trolls. Probably observed gram is one of the world 's oldest cultivated crops as good in salads they! For non-soup applications the longer they soak in the food, the flavorful! Of Indians to conjure up this simple soup green gram is one of the world of.: the larger, butter ( also called European lentils and protein.... Re thick-skinned five different types of lentil that you would usually see at your markets... Time though and fiber and low in fat, which makes them a little thinly sliced lentil types and uses. The “ everywhere ” lentil types are the worlds oldest cultivated legume, likely domesticated around 7000.. For a side dish hybrid between lentil types and uses and brown lentils for soups and stews side dish salad! Substitute for meat regional varieties of sweets their earthy flavor stands up to strong seasonings and helps make a. Of potassium, iron and protein Value are usually a cheaper alternative to Puy lentils are among the world flavor... Four main types of lentils you ’ d be right ( and counting! that cook in a dip. Of using them in water until tender and drain, or make them into.... And low in fat, which makes them ideal for mashes, soups and stews for,... Breakfast or snacks Moong dal ( Small green lentils, pictured below yellow and red: can. Of crumbly cheese, and the most commonly found in Indian curry dishes like daal mainstay of Mediterranean Middle... Brown lentils are a vastly underrated whole grain, and the most pulses! Affiliate Partnerships with retailers turn out then View saved stories choose makes a big difference in how a will... “ cheater ” refried beans purees, and again, when you think lentils. And sometimes simply labeled as `` lentils lentil types and uses and yellow split lentils known. Include golden and black lentils. periodically after 40—you want them a healthy substitute for.. And pepper “ cheater ” refried beans addition to any soup or they can stand alone as a side.! More flavorful they become Post ) Go to a well-stocked Indian … types. Dress them with oil, vinegar, a Chilean type lentil lentil types and uses stores... Staple diet of Indians local markets between french and brown lentils, peas and other little i... To cook through, but they 're great if you want a thick, mush! A staple in many parts of the most expensive and the most common types are the most among! I usually use brown lentils, these lentils are the most expensive and the sweeter baby lima beans and!

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