As a low-fat and nutrient-dense legume, lentils offer a wide variety of tasty, healthy, and versatile dishes. With their incredible range of colors, textures, and sizes, it’s no wonder that lentils are a staple in many vegetarian and global cuisines. Here are some of the most popular varieties of lentils and how to incorporate them into your daily cooking.
1. Brown lentils: These are the most common type of lentils, and they are widely available in supermarkets and grocery stores. Brown lentils cook quickly, are mild in flavor, and hold their shape well. They are perfect for soups, stews, and salads.
2. French or Puy lentils: These small, dark green lentils have a peppery taste and hold their shape well when cooked. They are ideal for salads or side dishes, where their unique flavor and texture will stand out.
3. Red lentils: These are a popular variety of lentils in Indian cooking. They cook quickly and break down easily, making them ideal for curries, soups, and stews.
4. Green lentils: These lentils have a slightly nutty flavor and hold their shape well when cooked. They are great for salads and side dishes.
5. Beluga lentils: These small, black lentils got their name from their resemblance to caviar. They have a rich, dense flavor, hold their shape perfectly, and are ideal for salads, soups, or stews.
6. Yellow lentils: These lentils cook quickly, have a mild flavor, and break down easily, making them perfect for soups, dals, and curries.
No matter which type of lentils you choose, they are incredibly healthy and high in protein, fiber, iron, and essential vitamins and minerals. Lentils are also excellent for weight loss and diabetes management because they have a low glycemic index and are an excellent source of dietary fiber that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
In conclusion, these six types of lentils mentioned above are just a few of the many varieties of lentils available, each with its own unique taste, texture, and aroma. With their versatility and nutritional benefits, cooking with lentils is an excellent way to add variety and nutrients to any diet.