Do you need to soak red lentils before cooking with rice?

Preparation: Lentils don't need to be soaked before cooking but it's a good idea to give them a rinse to get off any dust and debris. You can also check for any small stones that may be mixed in.

What is the difference between red and green curry lentils?

Red lentils are the split lentils mainly used in Middle Eastern and Indian dishes. They take around 30 minutes to cook. ... Green lentils have a peppery flavor and firm texture when cooked. Therefore, the main difference between red and green lentils is the flavor and texture after cooking .

What happens if you don't soak red lentils?

Do red lentils need to be soaked before cooking? No, there is no need to soak red lentils before cooking but it is a good idea to give them a quick rinse.

Is it OK not to rinse red lentils?

Lentils do not require it but can be soaked in order to reduce cooking time by about half. Before cooking, rinse lentils in cold water , pick over to remove debris or shrivelled lentils, then drain.

Which color lentils are healthiest?

Best of all, black lentils are the most nutritious variety of lentils, boasting the highest amount of protein, plus high levels of calcium, potassium, and iron.

Are lentils carbs or protein?

Nutrition Overview Lentils are high in fibre, and complex carbohydrates , while low in fat and calories. Their high protein content makes lentils a perfect option for those looking to boost their protein intake. They are naturally gluten-free, making them a delicious staple in a gluten-free kitchen.

What color lentils taste best?

brown lentils It's the favorite that everyone loves and uses most. Brown lentils are bigger than other lentil types, hold their shape well during cooking, and provide a nutty, earthy flavor.

Is it OK to cook lentils without soaking?

Lentils to do not require soaking like other pulses . Rinse your lentils with fresh water before boiling to remove any dust or debris. Cook on a stovetop, using 3 cups of liquid (water, stock, etc) to 1 cup of dry lentils. Be sure to use a large enough saucepan as the lentils will double or triple in size.

How long should you soak red lentils?

In a large bowl, rinse and soak your red lentils for around 4 hours or overnight . Be sure to cover the lentils with enough water as they are going to soak up quite a bit. Once soaked, drain and rinse thoroughly.

Do lentils absorb water like rice?

Lentils aren't rice—they don't need to absorb every last drop of cooking liquid . They're more like pasta: best cooked in an abundance of water or stock. Bring your liquid up to a boil, add your lentils, then turn down your heat to a simmer for at least 25-30 minutes.

How long to soak red lentils to remove phytic acid?

Soak lentils for about 6 hours or overnight in warm water with a couple tablespoons of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. (The soaking liquid needs to be slightly acidic to neutralize phytic acid and free up minerals for your body.)

Carrot and Red Lentil Curry with Broccoli Rice

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A vibrant carrot and lentil curry cooked in creamy coconut milk and tomatoes. Served with broccoli rice, making the entire meal more nutritious.

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You know how much I love curry, right?

The other week I met the most amazing lady called Lajina at my workshop who teaches Indian home cooked cookery classes. Since then she has kindly taken me shopping to some Indian shops to stock up on different pulses, I’ve been to her house to cook and to develop some recipes for a demo, we’ve done the demo at the foodie show together, and we’re now planning a pop up supper club for September!

Isn’t it amazing how a chance meeting with a like-minded foodie can lead to you learning so many new things and many more exciting things to come?

As well as demos and teaching, she also makes delicious home made spice blends (see more here!) with her secret recipe–I’m a total convert as it makes it so easy to create an authentic Indian meal at home–seriously good!

My super delicious daal made with Lajina’s spice blend!

So back to my curry, which isn’t very traditional but is very delicious! Made from red lentils and carrots because I had some gorgeous organic carrots then with coconut milk and topped with crunchy toasted cashews for crunch and extra protein.

I think it’s very yummy. The carrots and lentils work so well with the coconut milk and tomatoes. Plus cooking with pluses is not only delicious, healthy but also really, really economical. Lajina has inspired me to use even more pulses in my curries (and I’m going to get a pressure cooker to speed up the process soon as I was so impressed that dried pulses can be cooked in 10mins rather than 1 hr–watch this space).

Instead of flatbreads, quinoa or brown rice (although they would all be delicious) I’ve been experimenting again and I’ve made some yummy green broccoli rice. I’ve been wanting to try it for a while and it’s really delicious!

There are many health benefits to adding extra greens to my meals. I would definitely recommend giving it a go–I’m going to be making a big broccoli rice salad next.

I hope you enjoy this one. I’ll be creating and experimenting with lots more with tasty, easy and cost effective curries and daals in the next few months.

Ingredients

For the broccoli rice

1 onion finely chopped
1 tbsp rapeseed oil
1 head of broccoli
1 tsp sea salt
Juice 1/2 lemon

For the curry

1 cup red lentils
1 onion roughly chopped
1 tbsp rapeseed oil
A little water
4 cloves garlic grated
2 knob ginger grated
1 tsp chilli flakes
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp fennel seeds
6 organic carrots sliced
1 can organic light coconut milk
1 pack organic tomatoes
1 tsp garam masala–I used Masala Magic
Handful cashews
Coriander

Instructions

For the curry

Add the lentils to a bowl and cover with water. Soak for 30 minutes, then rinse and put aside.
Fry the onion in the rapeseed oil in a large saucepan for 8-10 minutes on a medium heat until soft. Add a little water to stop it from burning.
Add in the garlic, ginger and spices. Stir for a few minutes and then add in the carrots, lentils, coconut milk, and tomatoes. Bring to the boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Finally, add in the garam masala.

To make the broccoli rice

Fry the onion in rapeseed oil in a frying pan for 8-10 minutes on a medium heat until soft.
Add a little water to stop it from burning.
Chop up the head of broccoli roughly and add it to your food processor. Pulse until you get a fine grain.
Add the broccoli to the frying pan and fry for 5-6 minutes until cooked through then season with salt and the juice of 1/2 lemon.
Toast the cashews in a dry pan for 3–4 minutes on a medium heat until they get nice and toasted (be careful not to burn them).

To serve

Serve the curry with the broccoli rice, toasted cashews and a sprinkle of coriander.

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If you recreate this recipe, tag me on Instagram:@rebelrecipes or #rebelrecipes for a chance to be featured.

More Recipes with Carrots, lentils or Broccoli

Discuss this Recipe with Niki

9 Responses

Lovely blog! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am taking
your feeds also
Reply
This looks delicious. Can’t wait to try it!
Reply
1. Hey Amanda
  So glad you like it! Would love to hear what you think
  Love, Niki xx
  Reply
Saying I love curry is a definite understatement. I LIVE for it! Anyways, this curry looks so colorful and gorgeous! Cannot wait to make curry sometime!
Reply
1. I live for it too Cassie!!????
  Let me know if you make it lovely xx
  Reply
Ooh this looks super yummy and definitely going to give the broccoli rice a try. One question though, you say this serves 2-4, that seems like a huge difference! If I’m making it just for my husband and I as a main course should we be halving the recipe? Thanks!!
Reply
1. Hi Vicki
  Thank you!
  I would say 2 big portions or 3 medium (I’ve just changed it).
  Let me know what you think lovely xxx
  Reply
Hi,
This recipe sounds delicious. However I have one comment – what exactly is a ‘pack of tomatoes’?
Are you talking cherry or large? Approx grams or how many would be great! As in Tesco organic normal tomatoes come in a pack of 4 and sainsburys in a 6.
THANKYOU.
Reply
1. Hey Jodie
  Thanks lovely! Just amended.. 4 plum toms or 1 can.
  Love, Niki xx
  Reply

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Carrot and Red Lentil Curry with Broccoli Rice | Rebel Recipes (2024)

Ingredients

For the broccoli rice

For the curry

Instructions

For the curry

To make the broccoli rice

To serve

More Recipes with Carrots, lentils or Broccoli

Discuss this Recipe with Niki

9 Responses

Buy Me a Coffee

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FAQs

Do you need to soak red lentils before cooking with rice? ›

How long to soak red lentils to remove phytic acid? ›

References