I need some new ideas for making lentils. Thanks!
Hi Amberfunk
I have my main meal in the evening and always put beans in it. But it could be lentils or chickpeas. There are literally hundreds of vegetarian recipes using lentils - these could be tweeked to make them vegan. Casseroles and soups are what come to mind first. But pasta dishes, veggie burgers and stuffed peppers/aubergines (=eggplant) are also great with lentils. Google "vegan pasta recipe" etc. I love curries, spaghetti bolognaise with lentils instead of meat, goulash etc.
Here's a spag bol recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 large mug green lentils
- 1 can chopped tomatoes
- 2 chopped garlic cloves
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 chopped carrot
- 1 large stick of celery
- 2 handfuls of chopped mushrooms (optional)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp mixed Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper
- 1 pint stock
- 1 pack spaghetti
Method
Soften the garlic, onions, carrot and celery in a pan with the oil.
Add the lentils and mushrooms (if using) and cook for 10 mins.
Add the tomatoes and the stock.
Cook for at least an hour on a low heat – the longer and slower you cook this the better it will be.
Check the sauce, you want it to be nice and thick.
Season.
Cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions and drain well.
Return to the pan and add the sauce, mixing well. Serve.
Most casserole dishes (and spag bol) are better made the night before or cooked in batches and frozen.