Who is lentil

Iron deficiency is a common cause of fatigue. Not getting enough iron in the diet can affect how efficiently the body uses energy. There are two types of iron: heme and nonheme. Meat and fish provide heme iron. Nonheme iron is an essential form of iron for people who do not consume meat for health or other reasons. However, the body cannot absorb nonheme iron as well as heme iron. So, try combining it with vitamin C rich foods, such as citrus, berries, and peppers, which will improve absorption.

Fiber in the diet helps to increase the feeling of fullness and reduce appetite. The high fiber content in lentils also helps keep the digestive tract healthy, which in turn, prevents constipation and promotes regular bowel movements. Other types include black Beluga lentils, which resemble caviar, and are more expensive. White lentils, which are black lentils without the hull, and Macachiados lentils, which have a distinctive strong, nutty taste and often feature in Mexican dishes.

Unlike dried beans, lentils do not require soaking. People should rinse away any dirt from the lentils and discard any damaged lentils or foreign material. Consuming large amounts of fiber may cause flatulence and constipation.

Vanilla extract adds depth of flavor to recipes and baked goods, and substitutes can replace it in a pinch. They become soft and tender after simmering for just 15 minutes! As they cook, they melt and dissolve, creating a delicious creamy texture. I even blend them into a luscious, hummus-like dip! I toss them with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes to make a nutritious side dish or base for plant-based bowls. Beyond this simple preparation, there are endless ways to use them.

Aside from the lentil recipes I mentioned above, these are a few of my favorites:. Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail. I love cooking red and green lentils with rice and seasoning it with tumeric and salt.

It makes a great base for bowls. I made this with the black lentils, delicious. A definite keeper! These teeny gems look like caviar, earning them the nickname Beluga. About the size of a peppercorn, black lentils cook in water or stock between 20 and 30 minutes. Because they hold their shape well during cooking, black lentils, like Puy lentils, are excellent for salads and side dishes. When braised in stock and aromatic veggies , black lentils turn into a satisfying side dish that's going to make Lamb Meatballs shine extra brightly.

Mainly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking, yellow lentils cook in 15 to 20 minutes and turn mushy so they are also best for soups and stews. Lentils are also rich in fiber and minerals such as folate, potassium, iron, and manganese.

All types of lentils are equally nutritious and healthy. Split peas , either yellow or green split peas, are from field peas that have been dried and split in half. Lentils come from a different plant, and their natural shape is flat, not round like peas. Two of our favorites methods for cooking lentils include the classic stovetop method and the Instant Pot method.

For a step-by-step guide to cooking lentils these two ways, refer to our guide on how to cook lentils , which includes water-to-lentil ratios and cooking times for each variety.

Maybe they could bulk up a smoothie? But is that even safe? Hint: It's not! Read below to find out why. Lentils are legumes—cousins to beans, chickpeas, soybeans and peanuts. The name "lentil" actually comes from the Latin word for "lens," which makes sense since the dried bean looks like a little lens.

Like many other beans, they've been used in cooking for centuries and are thought to have originated in the Near East. But they're routinely cultivated and a part of the cuisine throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This means you can find lentils in some of their most well-known dishes, such as Indian Dal , Ethiopian stew , and Egyptian Koshari. And because they've spread so far, there are a wide variety of different types of lentils you can cook with. Here are some of the types:. Also referred to as French lentils, green lentils hold up well after cooking and have a nutty taste.

They're an ideal addition to a salad or on their own as a side dish. Beware, they require a bit more patience to prepare than other varieties, taking nearly 45 minutes to cook.