Exploring Delicious Lentil Recipes: From Chana Dal to Spicy Lentil Soup

Lentils are more than just a staple in many kitchens; they are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be prepared in countless ways. Whether you're looking for a quick snack, a hearty meal, or a refreshing salad, there's a lentil recipe perfect for your taste. As a Content Creator on YouTube, I specialize in Indian food recipes and share my favorite dishes, including my go-to red kidney beans. Today, I'll be sharing some of my favorite lentil recipes.

Favorite Chana Dal Recipe

Chana Dal is one of my favorite lentil dishes, and here's a recipe that never fails to impress:

Ingredients

1 cup Danfe's Chana Dal 1/2 cup Danfe's Sooji Flour 1/2 cup Spinach, finely chopped 1/2 cup Carrots, grated 1 medium-sized Onion, finely chopped 4-6 Curry Leaves, roughly chopped 1 tsp Ginger, grated 1-2 Green Chilies, chopped Fruit Salt to taste 1 tbsp Curd or Plain Yoghurt 1 tsp Olive Oil

Procedure

Sofak the chana dal overnight. Drain the excess water and grind the chana dal to a coarse paste. Add a little bit of water if needed. Combine the remaining ingredients (minus the fruit salt) in a mixing bowl and mix well. Add the chana dal and mix thoroughly. Just before serving, add the fruit salt and mix well. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Once hot, add a scoop of the batter to the skillet. Cook until one side is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown. Drizzle a little oil if necessary. Repeat the steps until all the batter is used. Serve hot with your favorite chutneys.

One-Pot Turmeric Rice with Lentils and Veggies

This one-pot recipe is a delicious and wholesome meal for a chilly evening. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients

1 cup Brown Rice (rinsed) 1/2 cup Lentils 1 White Onion, diced 1 cup Broccoli, chopped 1 cup Carrots, chopped 2 cups Spinach 2 cloves Garlic, minced 1 small knob Ginger, peeled and minced 2 tbsp. Turmeric Powder Salt to taste Black Pepper to taste 2 tbsp. Olive Oil Cilantro, stems removed, leaves chopped (for garnish)

Procedure

Rinse and chop produce accordingly. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, ginger, and turmeric powder, cooking for 3-5 minutes until onion is translucent, stirring frequently. Add brown rice, lentils, and 2 cups of water. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 20-30 minutes until rice and lentils are almost finished, checking periodically and adding more water if necessary. Add vegetables and cook for another 8-10 minutes until fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper if needed. Divide rice equally among containers and garnish with cilantro. Enjoy!

Spicy Lentil Soup

This spicy lentil soup is the perfect comfort food on a cold winter day. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

3 cups Chicken Broth 1/2 cup Water 1 cup Lentils (dry) 1 celery stalk, chopped 1 large carrot, chopped 3 cloves Garlic, minced 1 tomato, diced 1 tbsp. Olive Oil 1 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar 1 tbsp. Fresh Basil 1 tbsp. Fresh Parsley Salt to taste Black Pepper to taste 1 tbsp. Garlic Powder 1 tbsp. Onion Powder 1 tbsp. Paprika 1 tbsp. Red Pepper Flakes (optional) 1 tbsp. Dried Oregano

Procedure

Cover dried lentils with boiling water in a large bowl and let sit for 15 minutes. Drain. Clean and chop celery and carrots. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic, cooking for 5-7 minutes until onion is translucent. Add water, chicken broth, tomatoes, and apple cider vinegar, bringing to a boil. Once boiling, add lentils and the spices. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for another 40 minutes until lentils are tender. Plating and enjoy!

Feel free to experiment and adjust these recipes to suit your taste. If you try any of these, do let me know what you think! Tag me in your YouTube video posts so I can take a look. Happy cooking!