The likeable Lentils!
I was amused to watch a recent Masterchef episode recently where contestants were given a mystery box of vegetarian ingredients including lentils. Contestants failed to exert themselves beyond the traditional Dhal and Lentil soup. Don't get me wrong, Dhal is a cheap easy, tasty dish to prepare but hardly a challenge!
I asked a few friends recently who admitted that they either didn't like lentils or never tried them. When I was a poor university student I was well versed in the ways of the lentil. Besides 2 minute noodles, pasta and toast they were a well cooked staple of my diet. They could be bought cheaply in bulk, were fast to cook and one of the few dried pulses that didn't have to be pre-soaked. I loved to add lentils in lieu of meet in Spaghetti bolognaise; made dahl with lentils, curry powder, cumin, lemon and stock and Egyptian lentil dishes by including tomato paste. Lentil dishes also can be prepared in bulk and freeze well. They're also a great source of protein for those of us who don't eat eggs or meat and have to limit our tofu intake. What's not to like?
For some variety I perused the internet for some more diverse dishes. Here's what impressed me
Ancho Lentil Soup with grilled Pineapple
Moist Cocoa Lentil Cake (can't wait to give a veg version of this a try with less sugar!)
