Luscious Little Lentils

Lentils can add an amazing depth and cost savings to your budget without sacrificing quality of food or nutrition. They are common in many parts of the world including India, but have fallen out of favor in the modern United States kitchen. Lentils are frequently sited as a wonder food or miracle food due to the high fiber and foliate count and low fat value.

Lentils may have lost popularity because many people do not know how to prepare them. They are not as long soaking or cooking as dry beans. In fact, fresh lentils can be ready to cook with in as little as 10 minutes soaking time. Simply boil them for two or three minutes and then let them soak until they are soft. It can not get easier then that.

Lentils are an excellent meat substitute. They can be seasoned to reflect and represent a wide variety of flavors. Lentils are excellent in Mexican dishes and can replace all ground meats in popular favorites such as tacos and burritos. They are excellent in soups as well, and can even be blended to create a healthy, fiber filled soup thickener.

Vegans in particular will love the humble lentil. They are extremely high in iron, which is missing in many vegan and vegetarian diets. Their protein count can be as high as a full-meat filled meal depending on the variety of lentil chosen. They can also provide amino acids that are hard to find in many meat-free diets.

Even those who are not vegetarians or vegans will appreciate the cost of the lentil. Many times a bag of lentils can be picked up for one dollar a pound. A pound can provide 4 or more good servings easily. I challenge anyone to find a quality low fat, high fiber, high protein meat for a quarter a serving.

Lentils are a great staple to have on hand. There is not a known shelf life for these little legumes. They can remain good for several months or even a year. You might have to boil them for a bit longer, but other then that, they are a great essential to keep in your pantry.

Lentils are one of the most versatile foods out there. They can sit on your shelf for an indeterminate amount of time. They soak up the flavors of any seasonings your might be cooking with. They cook up fast and easily, and their nutritional value is out of this world. Give cooking with lentils a try. Your pocketbook and your body will thank you.