How to make red lentils - HELP

[Michele]

I made red lentils lasts week and it turned into a pot of mush...now mind you, I ate it because it still tasted good but I am not sure this is how it is supposed to turn out.

The instructions said 1 cup lentils with 3 cups water...it doesn't say anything about stirring...maybe I did too much stirring...any thoughts/suggestions?

[onesmartcookie]

I just picked up some red lentils tonight so if anyone know how to cook them properly or has a recipe, do tell!

[photogirl67]

nope that's what happens to them. red lentil dahl is mush - you did it right.

now add some turmeric, a bit of curry powder and some cumin and you'll love it. I put it on my plate, then steam some veggies and put them on top. Then drizzle a bit of olive oil or Udo's over the veggies.

enjoy!

[Michele]

Thanks Darlene...I made it again last nite and didn't stir once and it was still when mushy...but it takes good so it is not big deal.

OSC, I make brown rice - put the red lentils over the top and then the avocado Udo's oil dressing recipe (found in this section) over top...it tastes really good.

[onesmartcookie]

Brown rice and then lentils on top? Brown rice is a grain. What are lentils considered as?

[photogirl67]

lentils are lentils - like in the bean/legume class

[onesmartcookie]

Heh. Sometimes I ask silly questions. Lentils are new to me. I wasn't sure if they were a grain or bean. I'm going to try doing these in the steamer. I'll let you know how that works!

[photogirl67]

no you choose not to steam them - or at least I've never tried. They need to absorb water like rice does. You could probably do them in a rice cooker - but if you just put them in and steam with no water they'll likely be hard and crunchy

here are some lentil recipes:
http://www.theppk.com/recipes/dbrecipes ... ?MainID=44
http://veganyumyum.com/2007/03/broccoli ... er-coulis/
(I just found this for you guys and might make this myself - broccoli lentil soup with roasted red pepper coulis! - okay lunch time now!)

beans
http://www.theppk.com/recipes/dbrecipes ... ?MainID=32
http://veganmania.com/recipes/index.php ... d-legumes/

there are many kinds of beans and lentils including:

- chick peas
- black eyed peas
- mung beans
- black beans
- soy beans
- navy beans
- fava beans
- red lentils
- brown lentils
- green lentils
- split peas
- aduki beans
- kidney beans
- french lentils

try them all - lentils do not need to be soaked overnight - beans do.

[onesmartcookie]

My machine is a rice cooker/steamer. Uhm, the red lentils look like... porridgy. Is this right? How weird.

How many calories in peas or beans per serving? What is a serving considered as?

Thanks!

[Blush]

HAHAHAAHAHAHHAA

I do not know tha answer to your questions but I DO love that shifty eye emoticon