Do you use lentils in your recipes? Find out the difference between red and green lentils, plus learn quick recipes you can try this week.
What does your typical meal rotation look like? Perhaps you stick to ordering takeout or frequenting drive-thrus more often than cooking.
We know that preparing meals at home can be frustrating sometimes. Making a list, grocery shopping, reading complicated recipes, and cooking food can take the energy right out of you after a long day.
We believe cooking doesn't have to be exhausting. You can also try new ingredients such as lentils to make your meals exciting without a lot of effort. Keep reading to learn more about lentils.
What Are Lentils?
Are they nuts or seeds? Surprisingly, lentils don't fit into either of these categories. Lentils are protein-rich legumes that can add nutritional value to your recipes. They also feature a rich, earthy flavor often featured in Middle Eastern dishes.
They have a long shelf-life, meaning you can keep them around and enjoy using them in recipes months after you've bought them. Lentils are common in everything from stews, soups, and purees to side dishes and casseroles. You’ll also find them in veggie burgers in place of black beans or chickpeas and much more.
Nutritional Features of Lentils
Lentils are good sources of the following:
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Folate
- Many other antioxidants
Lentils are also a good source of protein.
Lentil Varieties
There are several varieties of lentils that you can explore. These include brown lentils, yellow lentils, black beluga lentils (which look a bit like caviar), and more.
Today, we'll focus on two different types of lentils today –– red lentils and green lentils.
Red Lentils
Red lentils, also known as masoor dal, are legumes that appear orangey-red. They tend to have a nutty flavor and usually come split down the middle. Because they don't have skins, these tend to break down into a creamy consistency as they cook.
Green Lentils
Green lentils are actually a grayish-green color, and they tend to be whole rather than split. Since they have skin, they take a longer time to cook and maintain a firm texture. The green variety has a much more peppery flavor.
Differences and Similarities Between Lentils
Ultimately, both of these lentil varieties have a similar taste and will contribute protein to your meals. These legumes are also similar in their vitamin A, fiber, and calcium content.
The primary difference between these lentils is their texture and cooking time. Although red lentils take less time to cook, they may also be mushier. Deciding which to use depends on your preference and the recipe you'd like to make!
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