Lentils are legumes and do not need to be soaked before cooking. Lentils are quick and easy to cook. Various types of lentils can be used to make many dishes: stews, soups, salads and cutlets. Lentils are a great side dish for fish or meat. Let's take a look at how to cook lentils.
Lentils, as a culture, are especially loved in Arab countries in the Middle East. Let's make Egyptian-style lentils with pasta. You will need:
- green lentils - 200 g;
- pasta - 200 g;
- onions - 3 pcs.;
- vegetable oil - 6 tbsp. l.;
- garlic - 1 clove;
- tomatoes - 700 g;
- sugar - 1 tsp;
- salt, coriander, turmeric, pepper - to taste.
The lentils should be rinsed, covered with water and cooked over medium heat for about 40 minutes. In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and then add coriander seeds and crushed garlic to it, fry for a few minutes, and then transfer the finished lentils to a saucepan, stir well.
Wash the onions, peel and fry in vegetable oil until golden brown, then add 1 teaspoon of sugar and you can increase the heat. While stirring constantly, bring the onion to brown, then place the cooked onion on a paper towel or napkin to absorb the excess fat.
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a frying pan, add turmeric and chopped garlic cloves, then add the tomatoes along with the juice, but without the skins, and keep on low heat. Add pepper and salt. The sauce should be thick after 10 minutes.
Boil the pasta until tender, then place on top of the lentils, tomato sauce and crispy onions on top. Also, this dish can be sprinkled with finely chopped parsley and cilantro if desired and served.
Thus, a dish made with lentils is a great addition to any meat or fish.
