Lentils are a kind of Pulse that is highly nutritious in Nature. From the family of legumes, lentils are high in protein and low in fat. A delicious combo for a serving of great meals. These lean lentils go well with a variety of side dishes. You might be wondering what to eat with lentils at this point.
So, if you want to eat something tasty-nutritious, rich in fibre, and don’t have time to prepare it, lentils are the ideal choice. They are very inexpensive compared to other vegetables, and anyone can afford them. If we pre-soak them, we can cook them quickly.
A perfect combination for a portion of tasty, and yummy food. You can enjoy these protein-rich lentils with a variety of side dishes. Now you may be wondering what to eat with lentils.
1. Types of Lentils
If you feel like Lentils are boring and have no taste in them, then you are wrong. Lentils are the type of pulse that can be prepared both in soupy form as well as in dry form. Sometimes they are round, oval, and half-pearl shaped. However, it depends upon their quality, as some lentils hold their shape even after being cooked and some get dissolved.
So, the different types of Lentils are as follows: –
1.01. Brown Lentils
Brown Lentils are one of the more popular lentils among others. They are commonly found and are perfect if you want to have soupy lentils. This type of lentil has that earthy smell and is highly fibrous.
They are prepared quickly, and they are lens-shaped and this kind of lentils can be consumed if you are on a diet and want to lose weight. These are good for weight loss because they have low calories and high fibre.
1.02. Green Lentils
Green Lentils are another type of lentil, and They are green in color and have thick skin. They take longer to cook, and they hold their shape after getting cooked. French Lentils also known as Puy lentils (type of green lentils) are more expensive than other lentils and are also perfect for lentil salads.
This kind of lentil provides more minerals, vitamins, and protein. It is more suitable to have with other side dishes and is perfect for a healthy lifestyle.
1.03. Red/Orange/Yellow Lentils
This kind of lentils are Red or Orange and sometimes they are even yellow. They split easily and they are good for your heart. They are common in India and also have a mild earthly smell.
This Red lentil also helps to build immunity and can give you very healthy skin and this earthy lentil also minimizes damage to your tissues and cells. Overall, this kind of lentil is very healthy and helps to keep your body immune.
1.04. Black Lentils
This kind of lentil has a stronger earthy smell and is also called Beluga Lentils. They look like black beans, but they are different. These lentils are not as popular as other lentils but still, they are highly nutritious. They are small and dark-coloured.
This kind of lentil is also healthy if you have a heart problem. It doesn’t get mushy and can hold its shape so you can have this with other side dishes.
2. Get Ready to Prepare These Side Dishes And Enjoy Them With Lentils
Though Lentils are delicious and rich in Iron, fibre, and nutrition on their own. They are worth more when eaten with other dishes. Lentils go well with almost everything, whether it be Meat, Fruits, or Vegetables. If you put the right amount of spices in this legume, you are good to go.
Lentils have variety and you can eat it without any side dish as well. But if you want to take its full feel then get ready to cook other side dishes.
This article will let you know what to eat with Lentils.
2.01. Naan Bread
Naan Bread or Naan is a soft, chewy, grilled flatbread made with wheat. They are thick and go well with lentils and are baked in a Tandoor oven and ghee is spread in it. Not only Naan but lentil soup can also go well with any kind of grilled flatbread.
Naan is an Indian cuisine and is prepared as a side dish, they have a soft and chewy texture in them. You can dip it in lentils and enjoy rich, delicious, nutritious food. It will be a solid and healthy main meal.
2.02. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted Vegetables are also highly nutritious and tasty on their own. They are healthy and colourful. If we cook lentil soup and top it with these roasted Vegetables, you will have a great meal.
The combination of Roasted Vegetables and lentils topped with coriander is solid and full of flavours. This combination can be a great meal for vegetarians.
2.03. Meat
This is for Meat lovers or non-veg people. Lentils can be paired well with meats like ground Beef, pork, lamb, and duck. You can enjoy your lentils along with meat chunks in them and have a blast of flavours by topping them with fresh herbs.
The juicy meat additionally with soupy lentils-powerpack duo. Have it with any other side dish like rice or bread. You can also have it by itself and get lost in flavours.
2.04. Rice
Rice gets paired well with lentils because both of them contain all the necessary and important diet. They are high in Vitamins, minerals, and fibers too, and are low in fat. If you are really hungry and also have no time to prepare a lot of food. Just prepare rice to eat with lentils and enjoy.
Rice and lentils are prepared in most cultures around the World. It goes well with any kind of rice whether it be yellow, white, or brown rice. You will get both carbohydrates and protein respectively. They can also be an extremely delicious meal when consumed together. It is also a very digestive food and will give you energy throughout the day.
2.05. Eggplant to eat with lentils
Eggplants are underrated when it comes to veggies. However, this purple vegetable can go well with pulses or lentils. Roast or grill your eggplant and enjoy it while dipping it in lentil soup. It can also be enjoyed if you prepare it as a curry by mixing both.
Another way to eat it together is by making lentil salad and spreading it on top of grilled eggplant. There are many ways to have eggplant with lentils and that’s the specialty of this veggie.
2.06. Lentil Baby Spinach Soup
If you are sick or want to have food rich in Protein, then prepare this curry/soup. Prepare this meal in extra virgin olive oil then enjoy your healthy food because this combination will make your bowl look full of vitamins and colourful.
You can also add tomato paste to it and prepare this food. The right number of spices will also do wonders in it. Go get a fresh bunch of baby spinach and enjoy this delicious meal with any type of lentil you like.
2.07. Sweet Potatoes
Don’t miss the combo of red lentils and sweet potato. Prepare this dish with coconut oil and a lot of spices. You can also add some raw veggies and leave it to cook. This doesn’t take a lot of time and goes well with green salads, sandwiches, and warps. Don’t forget to add salt.
Enjoy this creamy lentil curry, especially in winter. You can also prepare it beforehand and preserve it for later. It is not going to go bad and will give you the same amount of richness.
2.08. Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins
Muffins made out of Jalapeno are also an excellent choice to eat with lentil soup. You will get a blast of flavours. The sweetness of sugar and honey with the spiciness and earthy smell of lentils and Jalapeno will be a treat to have.
Dip the Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins in thick lentil curry and enjoy your flavorful dish to its fullest.
2.09. Cauliflower Steaks
Cauliflower steak is a must-prepare side dish because it pairs well with lentils. If you want to skip meat or want a meat-free meal, you should try this with thick lentil soup.
For a better and savoury taste, try adding tomato puree or yogurt to the soup and have it with this Cauliflower Steak. You can even squeeze lemon juice over it. This is an excellent replacement for any kind of meat steak and one of the best plant-based meals.
3. Final Note
In Conclusion, Lentils are rich in fibre, potassium, iron, as well as Protein and they get paired well with literally anything. Have it with bread and tortillas or rice. Even if you are vegetarian or non-vegetarian, you cannot ignore lentils because Lentil soups are really tasty and full of spices. Get the correct number of herbs and add salt accordingly and there you are getting one of the best meals ever.
Enjoy it just like that or prepare, side dishes, It’s all up to you. But no matter how you prepare it, it’s going to taste great. Lentils are not boring but can make your boring dish interesting. Cook lentils with coconut milk and you are good.
Cook it in the form of salad, soup, or balls you are going to get the same portion of nutrients. Prepare it with any dish mentioned above and live a healthy as well as calorie-less life.
Also, prefer buying dry lentils rather than canned ones because They work well if you are suffering from any kind of disease. At last, we hope that this article helped you to know what to eat with lentils.
