This is Why You Should Add Lentils To Your Pantry Stock

Finding the best foods to stock your pantry is essential. Sometimes this may mean with long-lasting foods, but you may want to consider healthy dry goods, too. For instance, lentils are a great option to add to your grocery list.

They can be used in various dishes, are packed with protein, and the best part? They often cost less than $2 a pound, perfect for those shopping on a budget who still want to eat healthy.

Check out how to use lentils and all the different types below.

Related: Hearty and Flavorful Plant-Based Lentil Pasta Recipe

An Affordable and Healthy Food Option

Food prices aren’t cheap, and budget items are hard to find. With lentils, you get the best of both worlds, with a healthy food option that doesn’t cost much at the store.

They are also great for your health. The legumes provide benefits for heart health, blood sugar management, and digestive health. Each cup of lentils provides around 18 grams of plant-based protein, plus fiber, folate, and iron. They may even help with weight management as part of a balanced diet.

Types of Lentils

Lentils are edible seeds from the legume family, and have diverse varieties you can enjoy. Common types include brown, green, red, yellow, and black (also known as beluga). There are also specialty varieties like Puy lentils. Each one has its own distinct flavors and textures.

Read below for a more detailed description of each kind:

• Brown: Most common type, with a mild, earthy flavor. They hold their shape well when cooked are are useful for soups, stews, and veggie burgers.
• Green: Have a peppery taste and firm texture. Most often used in salads, pilafs, and side dishes.
• Red: Quick to prepare with a slightly sweet taste. They become mushy when cooked, and are great for thickening soups and curries.
• Yellow: Similar to red with a mild, buttery, and smooth taste. Often used in Indian cuisine for dals and stews.
• Black (Beluga): Most nutritious with a rich and earthy flavor.
• Puy (Specialty): Grown in the Le Puy region of France, they are known for their dark, bluish-slate-green color and rich, peppery flavor.

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Lentils in Popular Recipes

Lentils can be put in a multitude of dishes. For instance, a Mediterranean-style lentil salad may have tomatoes, red onion, lemon, and parsley, with feta, chickpeas, or leftover chicken as possible additions.

Or, if you want to go for a grill menu item, try the vegan lentil burgers. With the right balance of soaking and cooking, they hold together well as patties and can be topped with just about anything you desire.

For the colder months, try a sweet potato and lentil chili that’s healthy and meat-free. For a more international dish, red lentil curry is a great option, or spice up your pasta or rice dish by swapping them out with the legumes.

You can also use lentils in tacos, sloppy joes, falafel-style balls, bolognese, or soup. No matter what dish you are preparing, there might be a chance to add an extra boost of protein with some lentils.

Also Read: Vegan Lentil Chilli Recipe

If you are looking for great food that keeps on the shelf, is budget-friendly, and tastes delicious, grab some lentils now.