Fritzy 22's Journal, 21 February 2021

Lentils have to cook forever ♾ but I love them though. Try them in a curry - that’s my favorite way! 

Different recipe sounds like a good idea. The stock is probably one of the secrets. I really like lentil soup... especially yellow peas I think. Way to work with your lentils. If you like Indian inspired diets... there are many vegetarian lentil recipes in their cuisine.  

Brown rice can be tricky to make too. 👍 

Fritzy, if you don't really care of lentils, maybe you can find another bean/legume that gives you equal or similar nutrients. It's so nice when you enjoy the food you're eating and know it's also nourishing your body. 😋👍 

Here's a list of some substitutes, if you decide you don't care for the lentils after all. http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/nutritional-substitutes-lentils 

I’m betting you tried green or brown lentils. Try red, which cook faster & are creamier while still retaining the nutty flavor. Great as soup/stew. Make in instapot & serve curried lentils over basmati rice- delish. 

Thanks Kelsey - I cooked them a long time and they were soft or mushy enough. Just not a big fan of beans of any kind. Thanks Liv - I'm not crazy about spicy, and don't know anything about Indian foods. I'm just trying to eat some of the things in the cupboard. Lentils have lots of protein and I had been adding a couple tablespoons to soups or stews. Shrewdness - I recently bought a rice cooker so the brown rice now comes out really good. I add scrambled eggs, onions and mushrooms for my own version of fried rice. Thanks ccandco. GibJig - they were brown lentils. I'm really not much of a cook which is why I'm usually disappointed when I try new things. 

Can you blend the soup. I make split pea soup a lot, take out the meat and most of the veg., use my immersion blender on the liquid base and have a nice creamy soup. 

I really like the recipe I use. Search for Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup with yogurt and mint at www.kitchenkonfidence.com I skip the mint leaf garnish. I also switch up the type of lentils too. Today I used Pereg Autumn Blend Heirloom Lentils. I had to double the cooking time to make the lentils really soft. 

Try an Argentinian lentil soup recipe.. its really good! i dont use bacon (though its so yummy with it) but i just use ground beef instead.. delicioussss http://inpatagoniaargentina.blogspot.com/2011/06/argentine-lentils.html?m=1 

I had no idea there were so many fans of lentils out there! Honestly, so far, I don't really like them, but am willing to try a few recipes because of the protein and fiber. I didn't like brussels sprouts until about the 3rd time I made them and now I love them! 

Fritzy, I am the same, not into lentils. I likr other legumes, so I'm good. I never liked cooked brussels spouts until a family friend made them and surprisingly I really like them, but only if he makes them. I don't care for cooked broccoli, but I am okay with raw. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 

I put lentils in my homemade vegetable soup.  

I grew up on Progresso Lentil soup. I love it. 170 calories for a 1-cup serving. High on sodium (like most processed foods) but they often offer low sodium versions of their soups so that might be available. 

Not a fan of lentils either. They might be better if I added, as mentioned, put a little bit in with veg soup, chili, etc. Dishes with a strong robust sauce or base. 

ccandco - I hated brussels sprouts as a kid. My mom boiled or steamed them and poured a cheese sauce over them (same with broccoli). I learned to eat broccoli raw in salads or in stir fries. A friend told me to cut small brussels sprouts in half and cook in a frying pan with a little olive oil and several slices of bacon. Loved it the 2nd time and then the 3rd time I didn't need the bacon. Now I cook in stir fries or roast them. Ali - I've also added to my homemade vegetable soup! Heigal - sorry if I'm getting names wrong but I can barely see them - I love Progresso soups, especially split pea. Don't eat them often. Kattay, maybe I'll add a tablespoon or so to chili next time I make it. I'm actually just trying to use up the bag I have and then I'll probably never think about lentils again! 

Fritzy, I think you may have started a lentil movement and I'm nit talking about fiber. 😉😄🙃😜🥴 

*not 

LOL Becky 

ccandco - too funny! My lentil soup had the consistency of mashed potatoes. They looked awful but the taste wasn't bad. Lasted 3 days and one good thing - it is really filling.