Red lentils: recipes for vegetarian cuisine

All legumes are characterized by a high content of protein and carbohydrates, which are so necessary for the body. This is especially important with a vegetarian diet. It is worth paying special attention to such an undeservedly forgotten product, like red lentils. Recipes of many cuisines of the world use it as very useful and easy to prepare. We suggest you try to make dishes from red lentils, which successfully diversify the vegetarian menu with new flavors.

Tomato soup

A typical soup with tomatoes is quite popular, but the proposed one differs in that its main ingredient is red lentil. Recipes for cooking may differ slightly due to the use of different seasonings. Try to serve in the summer this motley first dish cold. Its aroma, lightness and balanced combination of vegetables and lemon juice will be very refreshing in the heat.

Composition:

- lentils - 0,5 kg;

- vegetable broth - 1,8-2 l;

- Tomatoes or tomato juice - 200 g;

- sunflower or olive oil - 1,5-2 table. Spoons;

- onions - 2 pieces;

- garlic - 4 small denticles;

- medium-sized carrots - 3 pieces;

- celery - 3 stems;

- lemon - 1 piece;

- curry;

- pepper black ground or a mixture of peppers;

- salt;

- hot chilli pepper;

- parsley.

Preparation:

1. Cut the chopped onions and carrots in a deep saucepan in vegetable oil until golden.
2. Add finely chopped garlic and curry powder, let the mixture in the oil for a few minutes until the appearance of the garlic flavor.
3. Pour broth and, after boiling, pour lentils and chopped tomatoes. Cook for 30-40 minutes.
4. Season with celery and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
5. If necessary, pour a little water to get the desired consistency.
6. Squeeze the lemon juice into the soup, season with salt, add spices and parsley.
7. Serve with fresh parsley.

"Sunny" garnish of lentils and vegetables

A set of vegetables can be different, but must necessarily be present carrots, turmeric and red lentils. Recipes of such garnishes are simple in execution and do not require much time. Cooked meals due to the use of turmeric are distinguished by a bright orange shade. We offer you a recipe that is suitable for both vegetarian and baby food.

Composition:

- lentils - 170-200 grams;

- onion - 1 piece;

- medium-sized carrots - 1 piece;

- Bulgarian pepper of yellow or red color - 1 piece;

- water 0.2-0.5 liters;

- turmeric - 0,5 tea. Spoons;

- olive oil or sunflower oil - 1,5-2 table. Spoons;

- salt, spices to taste;

- dill or parsley.

Preparation:

1. In oil, fry onions.
2. Pour the finely chopped vegetables and pour water. The amount of water necessary for cooking, is curled from what dish you want to get in the end - a thick side dish in the form of a kasha-ragout or gentle mashed potatoes. Cook until half cooked.
3. After adding lentils and turmeric, simmer for another 15 minutes. Until completely softened.
4. Season with salt and spices.
5. To make a mash, whip the mixture with a blender or carefully cover it.
6. Garnish with greenery.

There are many first courses, cereals and side dishes, which include red lentils. Recipes you can find in culinary books or come up yourself. Just replace one vegetable with another, add other ingredients, try new seasonings, and your diet is diversified with new healthy dishes. Good luck!