If your lentil knowledge begins and ends with “small round things that go in soup,” you’re not alone.
But spend a little time in the dried-bean aisle and you’ll discover lentils have been holding out on us. They’re brown, green, red, yellow and even black. And unlike a bowl of M&M’s, the colors actually make a difference.
Different lentils have different flavors, textures and talents. Here’s what separates them.
Brown Lentils
These are probably the lentils you’re most likely to encounter at the grocery store.
Brown lentils have an earthy, mild flavor and work well in soups, stews, casseroles and other hearty dishes.
They soften as they cook but usually hold their shape reasonably well.
If lentils had a default setting, this would probably be it.
Green Lentils
Green lentils are a little firmer and have a slightly peppery flavor.
Because they hold their shape particularly well after cooking, they’re a good choice for salads and side dishes.
French green lentils, sometimes called Puy lentils (grown in the Le Puy region of France), are smaller and known for their firm texture.
Yes, even lentils have a fancy French division.
Red and Yellow Lentils
Get ready. Here’s where things change.
Red and yellow lentils cook faster than their brown and green relatives and tend to break down as they cook. That makes them perfect for dishes where you want a softer, creamier texture.
They’re widely used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and other cuisines, particularly in dals, soups and curries.
They’re also proof that falling apart isn’t always a bad thing.
Black Lentils
Black lentils are sometimes called beluga lentils because the small, shiny legumes resemble beluga caviar.
We’ll allow you a moment to absorb the fact that someone once looked at lentils and thought, “Caviar.”
They have an earthy flavor and firm texture that holds up nicely in salads, grain bowls and side dishes.
Their dramatic color also makes them look considerably more sophisticated than something that comes dried in a bag.
So Which Lentil Should You Use?
That depends on what you’re making.
Want something hearty for soup? Brown is a safe bet. Making a salad? Try green or black. Looking for something creamy for a curry or dal? Reach for red or yellow.
Here’s another reason to appreciate them: lentils are packed with plant-based protein, fiber and other nutrients while being inexpensive and easy to keep in the pantry. Not bad for something we’ve been walking past in the grocery store without giving much thought.
Unlike M&M’s, you probably shouldn’t just pick your favorite color.
🫘 SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT 🫘
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ONE MORE THING
You are most cordially invited to our 🧙♂️ GNOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS OPEN HOUSE at our digs on October 15. It’s your opportunity to check out new designs, sample products, and take advantage of early order pricing. Not only that, but there’s a special gift for RSVP #10, 20, 30, and 40! RSVP here
About BasketWorks
BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!
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