In the heart of Panama, there lies a culinary delight that tantalizes taste buds and warms the soul - savory lentils. This traditional dish, known as "lentejas a la Panameña," is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that has been cherished for generations. Whether served as a main course or a comforting side dish, savory lentils embody the vibrant spirit of Panamanian cuisine. This article takes you on a culinary journey to discover the secrets behind this beloved dish, providing you with a comprehensive guide to creating an authentic and delectable "lentejas a la Panameña" experience.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SAVORY LENTILS FROM PANAMA
Lentils are a comfort food in Panama, and now one of my favorites. They are healthy and delicious and this is the best recipe I have tried.
Provided by blisstir
Categories Lentil
Time 1h15m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Wash lentils thoroughly.
- Put them in saucepan and cover with water, add butter or oil.
- Cover and bring to a natural simmer over low heat.
- *Note-this takes a little while but prevents lentils from breaking.
- Once at a low boil, you may need to tilt the lid slightly to release steam and prevent overboil.
- Add onions, peppers, and garlic and continue to simmer for about 45 mins or until lentils are soft.
- Drain lentils in a strainer with a measuring cup beneath to catch the excess liquid.
- Pour off all but 1 cup of the liquid (keeping the last cup gives the best texture) and return to the pan with boullion cubes, until dissolved.
- Return lentils to pan and cook 15 mins more, adding salt& pepper.
SAVORY LENTIL BARLEY SOUP
"I get frequent requests from my family for this thick, full-flavored soup in the winter," reports Myrtle Brandt of Morris, Manitoba, "especially on -35° days, which are not uncommon here!"
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 1h20m
Yield 12 servings (3 quarts).
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a soup kettle or Dutch oven, saute onion, celery and garlic in butter until tender. Add water, tomatoes, soup mix, lentils, barley and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until lentils and barley are tender. Add carrots; simmer 20-25 minutes longer or until the carrots are tender. Garnish with cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 125 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 405mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
GARLICKY DAL (SAVORY LENTILS)
From Recipes with a Spice - Indian Cuisine for Balanced Nutrition' by Kusum Gupta This dal is the perfect accompaniment to spicy vegetables, bread and rice. Use any kind of lentils. One of the favorites is a mix of split green & yellow Mung and split reddish Masoor. When cooked, dry dal becomes almost 4 times in volume. Serve it hot when well mixed and of semi-liquid consistency. It can be refrigerated or frozen.
Provided by kusum gupta
Categories Lentil
Time 1h5m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Pick over dry dal for grit; rinse a couple of times and drain.
- Bring to boil about 3 cups water in a 2-quart saucepan.
- Add dal to hot water.
- Stir in salt and turmeric powder.
- (Water can boil over when dal is added; lower the heat as needed.) Partially cover and simmer on medium heat until dal is tender, 30 to 45 minutes.
- (Add hot water depending on the consistency desired.) Note: Split dal can be cooked in a slow cooker[2 to 3 hours] or in a pressure cooker for about 10 minutes.
- To sauté, heat the oil in a small skillet on medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds; as soon as they change color (few seconds), add garlic and onions.
- Stir, sprinkling little water if needed, until onions are golden brown.
- Add ginger and remaining seasonings (except tomatoes and garam masala); stir for a couple of minutes.
- Add tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- 5.
- Mix the sautéed seasonings into the cooked dal and continue cooking on medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until dal is thickened.
- Add garam masala.
- 6.
- Serve hot, garnished with green coriander.
- Optionally sprinkle lemon juice.
- Variation 1: Use brown lentils, peeled yellow Mung, peeled light yellow Urad, or split dark yellow Toor (or a mix of them).
- They take about 3 cups of water to 1 cup of dry dal and only 30 to 40 minutes to cook.
- Variation 2: Use whole green Mung, whole black Urad, whole dark brown Masoor, whole yellow brownish Toor, or split yellow Chana (or a mix of them).
- They take 3 to 4 cups of water to 1 cup of dry dal and longer to cook (about 1 hour).
- (Takes 4 to 5 hours in slow cooker, 25 minutes in pressure cooker.) Healthy Alternative: Add some vegetable stock or 3 tablespoons of Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) when dal is half cooked.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 87.4, Fat 2.6, SaturatedFat 0.3, Sodium 392.7, Carbohydrate 12, Fiber 5.4, Sugar 1.3, Protein 4.5
Tips:
- Use high-quality lentils: Lentils are the star of the show, so make sure to use the best quality you can find. Look for lentils that are plump, firm, and free of blemishes.
- Rinse the lentils before cooking: This helps to remove any dirt or debris that may be present.
- Cook the lentils in a flavorful broth: This will infuse the lentils with flavor and make them even more delicious. You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water.
- Add plenty of vegetables: Vegetables add flavor, texture, and nutrients to the dish. Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as carrots, celery, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and peppers.
- Season the lentils to taste: Lentils can handle a lot of seasoning, so don't be afraid to add plenty of salt, pepper, and other spices. You can also add a bit of acidity, such as lemon juice or vinegar, to brighten the flavors.
- Serve the lentils with your favorite sides: Lentils are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some popular options include rice, quinoa, bread, or salad.
Conclusion:
Savory lentils from Panama is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The lentils are cooked in a flavorful broth with vegetables and spices, and then served with your favorite sides. This dish is a great way to get your daily dose of protein and fiber, and it is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is also a very affordable dish to make, which is always a plus. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal that is both healthy and delicious, give savory lentils from Panama a try.
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