Egyptian Red Lentil Puree
Cozy Up with Red Lentil Puree: A Mediterranean Delight
Looking for a comforting, flavorful, and healthy dish? Our Red Lentil Puree is a vibrant Mediterranean staple that’s incredibly versatile. Perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a light meal, this puree is packed with protein, fiber, and delicious spices. It’s a fantastic way to introduce lentils into your diet, even for those who aren’t familiar with them!
This recipe isn’t just about taste; it’s about simplicity. With a relatively short cook time and minimal ingredients, you can have a warm and satisfying puree on the table in under an hour. The warm spices – cumin and coriander – create a beautiful aromatic experience, while the optional lemon juice adds a bright, zesty finish.
Why You’ll Love This Red Lentil Puree:
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a dip with pita bread, a side with grilled meats or vegetables, or a light lunch with a dollop of yogurt.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Red lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and iron.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and readily available ingredients.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices creates a warm, inviting flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This puree keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Tips for the Best Red Lentil Puree:
- Washing the Lentils: Be sure to wash and pick over the lentils to remove any debris or stones.
- Water Level: Keep a close eye on the water level during simmering. Add more if needed to prevent the lentils from drying out.
- Texture: Adjust the texture to your liking. For a smoother puree, use a food processor. For a more rustic texture, mash with the back of a spoon.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of lentils? While red lentils are preferred for their quick cooking time and creamy texture, you can use other types. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time and water level.
- Is this recipe vegan/vegetarian? Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and vegetarian.
- Can I freeze this puree? Yes, you can freeze the puree for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What can I serve with this puree? This puree pairs well with pita bread, grilled chicken or lamb, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add carrots, celery, or potatoes to the puree for extra flavor and nutrients.
Ready to experience the deliciousness of Red Lentil Puree? Let’s get cooking!
Red Lentil Puree
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced or pressed
- 1/2 pound small red lentils washed and picked over (1-1/2 cups)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 lemon juice of (optional)
- 1 salt to taste
- 1 pepper to taste, freshly ground
- 1 cayenne pepper pinch
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and saute the onion and half the garlic over low heat until the onion is tender and beginning to color.
- Add the lentils, cumin, and coriander, cover by 1 inch with water, and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, checking the water from time to time and adding more if the lentils dry out.
- Add the remaining garlic, salt and pepper to taste, and cayenne, continue to simmer until the lentils are soft and beginning to disintegrate.
- Mash with the back of a spoon stirring often to prevent sticking, or coarsely puree in a food processor.
- Correct seasonings and serve, adding the lemon juice if you wish. The puree will keep 3 or 4 days.
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