3 Simple lentil dishes
![Keep in mind when making aromatic red lentils with spinach...](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.newsday.com%2Fimage-service%2Fversion%2Fc%3AYTFiMzg4MzMtMWEwNi00%3AMzMtMWEwNi00M2EwYzZi%2Ffdmarge-cropped.jpg%3Ff%3DLandscape%2B16%253A9%26w%3D770%26q%3D1&w=1920&q=80)
Keep in mind when making aromatic red lentils with spinach and onion that French du Puy lentils hold their shape best. Credit: Marge Perry
TIP French du Puy lentils hold their shape best; red lentils barely keep their shape at all, and brown or green lentils hold their shape fairly well.
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AROMATIC RED LENTILS WITH SPINACH AND ONION
1 cup quick-cooking brown rice
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon canola oil, divided
2 cups thinly sliced onion
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1 tablespoon finely minced ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup red lentils
1 teaspoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 (5-ounce) bag baby spinach
1. Cook rice according to package directions.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium high. Add the onion and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden, about 20 minutes. Transfer about half the onions to a small bowl.
3. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in a saucepan over medium high; add ginger and garlic and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add lentils, tomato paste and 3 cups water; bring to a boil; reduce heat and gently simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
4. Add coriander and cumin to onions remaining in the skillet and cook 1 minute over medium heat. Add spinach and cook, tossing, until it is wilted and bright green, about 1 1/2 minutes. Stir into lentils.
5. Place rice in the bottom of each of 4 bowls; top with lentils and garnish with reserved onions.
Makes 4 servings.
Nutritional analysis for each serving 430 calories, 19 g protein, 76 g carbohydrates, 12 g fiber, 7 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 505 mg sodium
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BACON, LENTILS AND TOMATOES ON TOAST
6 slices center-cut bacon
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup du Puy (French green) lentils
1 carrot, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 ribs celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1/4 cup parsley leaves
4 (1/2-inch-thick) slices whole-grain Italian bread, toasted
2 tablespoons canola mayonnaise
1. Cook bacon in Dutch oven until crisp; transfer to plate lined with paper towels. Crumble when cool.
2. Add tomatoes to pot and cook until they are wilted but still hold their shape, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
3. Add lentils, carrot, celery and 21/4 cups water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until tender, about 30 minutes.
4. Gently combine with crumbled bacon, tomatoes and add parsley.
5. Toast bread; spread with mayonnaise. Spoon lentils over toast.
Makes 4 servings.
Nutritional analysis for each serving 348 calories, 19 g protein, 51 g carbohydrates, 19 g fiber, 10 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 390 mg sodium
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LENTIL SOUP WITH SWEET POTATOES AND ESCAROLE
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/2 cup lentils
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bunch escarole, coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1. Heat oil in soup pot set over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Add tomatoes and 4 cups water and bring to a boil. Add sweet potatoes, lentils and thyme and bring back to a boil. Immediately reduce heat and simmer 22 to 25 minutes, until lentils and potatoes are tender.
2. Stir in the escarole and salt and cook 5 to 7 minutes longer, until greens are tender.
3. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
Makes 4 servings.
Nutritional for each serving 292 calories, 13 g protein, 49 g carbohydrates, 16g fiber, 5 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 878mg sodium