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If you are looking for a healthy substitute for meat, lentils are for you. Teeming with nutrition especially protein and Iron and low in fat, lentils fill you up without feeling the need for fatty foods. Lentils are tiny beans belonging to the legume family. They add color to your kitchen racks as they come in black, green, red, white, yellow and brown shades.   Lentils are available throughout the year and can be stored fresh in air tight containers for up to 2 years!

They grow in pods and are round, oval or heart shaped. They may be used as a whole or split or de husked. Using a combination of lentils in cooking makes your meal mighty nutritious.

All lentils and beans turn out best when cooked in pure clay pots because of the unique far-infrared heat that cooks them.  This superior form of heat is that which is built up in the walls of the pot and cooks the food by penetrating deeper without damaging the outside.   “I had my doubts about the lentils cooking as soft as they cook in my pressure cooker” says Shree, a passionate clay cook from McKinsey, TX when she 1^st started cooking in clay.  “But the lentils cook a whole lot better in the clay pot – they are deliciously soft and yet remain whole, never become a mushy paste.”

A few things to keep in mind when cooking lentils:

• Wash the lentils thoroughly in 1-2 changes of water
• Cook one cup of lentils in 2 cups of water with select spices and vegetables
• Some lentils can be cooked with rice, the once that require the same cooking time.
• Cooking time differs based on the kind of lentils used. If the grains get mashed with light pressure using a fork, the lentils are done.
• Soak lentils for an adequate time based on the type selected for use.
• Vegetarians, it’s a great idea to use cooked lentils or beans in your meals at least 3-4 times a week.  Cook 1 or 2 varieties in bulk, over the weekend and use them throughout the week in your soups, salads, or even with cooked rice or sandwiches.
• Most lentils cook in about the same time or less than it takes to cook in a metal pot, all in medium heat or less!

About Some Common lentils: