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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.
Food & Ingredients

Types of Lentils

April 30, 2025

Welcome, culinary adventurers, to a journey into the heart of one of the world’s oldest and most versatile ingredients! We’re talking about lentils – those small, lens-shaped legumes that have nourished civilizations for millennia. Often residing quietly in our pantries, the diverse types of lentils available offer a surprising spectrum of colours, textures, and cooking properties. From hearty stews to delicate salads, understanding the nuances between different types of lentils is key to unlocking their full culinary potential. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of these nutritional powerhouses, celebrating the variety and adaptability that make exploring types of lentils an essential part of any kitchen exploration. They are more than just a simple pulse; they are a global staple brimming with history and flavour, waiting to be rediscovered.

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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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