Best 4 Black Beluga Lentils Recipes
Beluga lentils, also called black lentils, are a unique and nutritious variety of lentils known for their distinct appearance and rich flavor. Originating from the fertile plains of North America, these tiny, jet-black legumes have gained popularity in recent years due to their culinary versatility and health benefits. In this article, we aim to guide you through the world of black beluga lentils, providing insights into their nutritional value, culinary applications, and easy-to-follow recipes that showcase their unique flavor and texture. From hearty soups and stews to vibrant salads and delectable side dishes, discover how to incorporate black beluga lentils into your meals and enjoy their culinary wonders.
Let's cook with our recipes!
BRAISED BLACK LENTILS
Braised black lentils, also known as beluga lentils, since they resemble the most prized of all caviar varieties, make up one of my favorite side dishes.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Side Dish Beans and Peas
Time 1h
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Melt butter in olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Cook and stir onion, carrot, celery, and salt until vegetables are softened and onion is translucent, about 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add thyme sprigs and pepper. Stir in lentils until well coated. Add chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover and cook, checking occasionally, until the lentils are tender and have absorbed all the liquid, about 35 minutes. Remove from heat and discard thyme stems. Stir in champagne vinegar and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 499.7 calories, Carbohydrate 68 g, Cholesterol 15.9 mg, Fat 14.3 g, Fiber 31.8 g, Protein 26.6 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 698.3 mg, Sugar 6.2 g
BLACK BELUGA LENTIL PILAF
No, silly, not fish roe! A recently discovered heirloom pulse I tried for the first time, beluga lentils are earthy and delicious; not mealy or dry textured! Once cooked, the lentils do look like caviar! Makes a good filling for tortillas, too! Recipe compliments of Westbrae Naturals (with just a few minor changes.)
Provided by COOKGIRl
Categories Lentil
Time 30m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a large wide saucepan on medium heat.
- Add the onion, cumin seeds and rice and cook; about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the garlic; stirring for 1 minute longer.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Add salt to taste. Stir mixture, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
- Remove lid and stir in the lentils and the currants with the rice.
- Sprinkle with black pepper; garnish with parsley and lemon slices.
- Note: Serves four as a side dish or serves two as a main dish.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 675.1, Fat 10.2, SaturatedFat 1.6, Cholesterol 1.1, Sodium 366.2, Carbohydrate 113.2, Fiber 35.3, Sugar 9.3, Protein 33.2
BELUGA LENTILS
These tiny black lentils are named for their resemblance to caviar.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Rinse the lentils, and pick through them to remove any small stones.
- Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat for 2 minutes. Swirl in 2 tablespoons olive oil and wait a minute. Add the onion, thyme, chile, 1 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper. Cook the onion, stirring often, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the lentils and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook about 2 minutes, stirring to coat the lentils in the oil and vegetables. Reduce the heat to low, and add the wine. Quickly add 6 cups water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Turn down the heat, and simmer 25 to 30 minutes, until the lentils are tender.
- Strain the lentils over a bowl. Toss them with the remaining 6 tablespoons olive oil, the basil sprigs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/3 cup of the cooking liquid. (Add more of the liquid if the lentils seem dry.) Taste for seasoning.
EXOTIC SPROUTED FERMENTED BLACK BELUGA LENTILS
These lentils are fermented into a Spicy South Eastern Asian delite. Sprouting lentils are much easier to digest and you will also be able to assimilate more nutrients. "The process of germination not only produces vitamin C, but also changes the composition of grains and seeds in numerous beneficial ways. Sprouting increases vitamin B content, especially B2, B5, and B6. Carotene increases dramatically-sometimes even eightfold." Sally Fallon, Nourishing Traditions. Top salad, sandwich or eggs with the lentils, eat as is or place in soup just before serving. Try making spicy dosa with these.... Or add to home made bread dough for an exoctic flavor. In the photo I used Kraut source as my fermentation vessel but a Fido jar will work great.
Provided by Rita1652
Categories No Cook
Time P10D
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Fill a mason jar with the lentils, and then cover with slightly warm filtered water ( 1 tablespoon whey can be adding to the water) overnight. On the top you place a sprouting screen screwed into the lid. In the morning you drain and rinse it (doing so right through the screen), and then you invert your jar at an angle, allowing it to drain and air to circulate within your jar. Then all you have to do is rinse 2-3 times per day, and your seeds will turn into sprouts.
- Place everything but the lentils in a quart size jar and shake to blend.
- Add the lentils and give another shake to blend. be sure to leave head room.
- Rest on countertop out of light for 4-7 days. It will bubble up. Make sure to top a weight on it to keep submerged. You may want to place the jar in a bowl to prevent spills. It will/can overflow from the bubbling from fermentation.
- When ready to your liking place in refrigerator and chill a couple more days.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 42.4, Fat 0.2, Sodium 583.4, Carbohydrate 7.5, Fiber 2.9, Sugar 0.7, Protein 3.2
Tips:
- Soak the lentils: Soaking the lentils for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps to reduce the cooking time and makes them more digestible.
- Rinse the lentils: Before cooking, rinse the lentils in cold water to remove any debris or impurities.
- Use a flavorful cooking liquid: The cooking liquid is an important part of the flavor of the lentils. Use a flavorful liquid such as broth, stock, or water with added herbs and spices.
- Season the lentils: Don't forget to season the lentils with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to taste.
- Cook the lentils until tender: The lentils are done cooking when they are tender but still hold their shape. Overcooked lentils will become mushy.
- Let the lentils cool slightly before serving: This allows the flavors to meld and the lentils to firm up slightly.
Conclusion:
Black beluga lentils are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. With their mild flavor and firm texture, they can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to main courses and side dishes. So next time you're looking for a healthy and delicious meal, give black beluga lentils a try!
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