How to Cook Lentil Beans

Lentils are a superfood, packed with iron, vitamin B and folate. They have a long shelf life, and they are a cheap source of low-cholesterol protein. Lentils are a type of bean and legume, growing in pods with one of two round or oval seeds. They come in many shapes and colors. Green lentils are one of the most common lentils, and they retain their firmness after cooking. This recipe for green lentils is easy enough for anyone to cook at home.

Things You'll Need

• 3 whole cloves
• 1 small peeled onion
• 2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cup green lentils
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 inch ginger root peeled
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 bay leaf
• 14 1/2 oz. can of vegetable broth
• Salt to taste
• Large saucepan

Instructions

1. Insert cloves into onion. You may need to use a knife to make a hole first before inserting cloves.

2. Combine water and the rest of the ingredients, except salt, in a large sauce pan.

3. Cover saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes or until tender.

4. Remove from heat and take out onion, bay leaf, ginger, and garlic.

5. Stir in a little salt to taste.

Tips & Warnings

• This basic recipe can be changed to make different soups and stews. Experiment and you can't go wrong.

• Use caution when handling hot foods, especially when taking out the onion, garlic, and ginger from the lentils. You can wait till it is cooled down before removing.

References

• All Recipes: Lentil soup

Resources

• Health.com: Lentils Superfood
• World's Healthiest Foods: Lentils