Tag: lentils

Lentils when to eat them – AltroFood – Gordon Ramsay’s version

The lentils they are an extremely versatile and nutritious food, appreciated throughout the world for its many beneficial properties. The question about when to eat them not only underlines culinary curiosity but also interest in a balanced and conscious diet. In fact, lentils are an excellent source of proteins, fibre, iron and other essential minerals, making them an ideal option to enrich your diet in a healthy and tasty way.

Lentils when to eat them

The lentils they can be consumed throughout the year, but there are specific times when their consumption may be particularly appropriate or traditional. For example, in Italy, it is customary to eat lentils a New Year’s, symbol of prosperity and luck for the new year. However, the versatility of lentils makes them suitable for integrating into the daily diet in various ways, regardless of the season.

Nutritionally, lentils are a great choice for those looking to increase their intake vegetable proteins, making them particularly suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Furthermore, their richness in fiber contributes to digestive health and the feeling of satiety, thus also supporting those involved in a weight control journey.

Lentils lend themselves to a wide range of preparations, from soups and purees for the colder months, to fresh and light salads ideal for summer. Their ability to absorb flavors makes them perfect for cooking with various spices and flavourings, easily adapting to recipes from different culinary traditions.

For those looking for inspiration on how to incorporate lentils into their meals, here are two delicious and easy to prepare recipes: Pan-fried Lentils and Lentil Ragout. These recipes demonstrate the versatility of lentils and how they can be transformed into hearty, satisfying dishes.

In short, the lentils they are an ingredient that can and should be consumed all year round, thanks to their nutritional richness and great versatility in the kitchen. Whether it’s a warm and comforting dish for the winter or a light summer salad, lentils will enrich your menu with taste and health. As we have seen, there is no single time to enjoy them, but any occasion can become ideal for discovering and rediscovering this precious legume.

How to cook dried lentils – Gordon Ramsay’s version

The dried lentils they represent a fundamental ingredient in the Mediterranean diet, known for its numerous nutritional properties, including proteins, fibers and minerals. Knowing how to cook them correctly is essential to make the most of these benefits and to ensure that the final result is tasty and satisfying. Preparing dried lentils may seem intimidating to some, but with the right techniques and tips, it becomes a simple and rewarding task. The key is knowing the correct steps to follow and some tricks that only experts know.

How to cook dried lentils

For cooking dried lentilsthe first fundamental step is that of preparation. It is advisable to rinse the lentils well under running water to remove any impurities. Unlike other legumes, lentils don’t need to be soaked for long, making them a practical option for last minute meals. However, a short soak can help reduce cooking times and make them more digestible.

The cooking of dried lentils can vary depending on the variety and freshness. In general, they are cooked in water or broth, maintaining a ratio of about 1:3 between lentils and liquid. Adding a small piece of kombu seaweed during cooking can help make them even more digestible and add minerals. It is important not to salt the lentils at the beginning of cooking, as salt can harden the legumes, lengthening cooking times.

Once lentils are cooked, they lend themselves to a wide range of recipes, from simple salads enriched with vegetables and seasonings, to more elaborate dishes such as soups, vegetable ragouts or spicy side dishes. A particularly tasty and simple recipe to make is that of pan-fried lentils, which you can find here: Pan-fried lentils recipe. This dish enhances the natural flavor of lentils with the addition of fresh herbs and spices, resulting in a nutritious and flavorful side or main course.

In short, cooking dried lentils is not only a way to enrich your culinary repertoire with healthy and tasty dishes, but also an opportunity to explore the versatility of this legume in various preparations. As we have seen, with some simple steps and tricks, it is possible to transform dried lentils into delicious creations that will surprise your diners.

Vegetarian capunet with lentils – Yet another cooking blog – Gordon Ramsay’s version

These vegetarian capunet they are a revisitation meat free of a classic of Piedmontese cuisine. All the taste and shape of the original dish, with an irresistible veg filling.

Capunet, also called capunit or “pess coi”, are cabbage rolls typical of Piedmont traditionally prepared with a meat filling often recovered from leftovers or other preparations. For this reason the recipe varies from one location to another, testifying to the gastronomic richness of this incredible region of Italy.

The essence of this dish lies in the use of cabbage leaves as a casing for a soft and succulent heart, capable of surprising with every bite.

In my vegetarian version of capunet, I chose to replace meat and cold cuts with a mix of red lentils, cheese and eggs, to guarantee the right amount of protein. The wholemeal bread and potatoes help create a tasty and consistent filling, which binds perfectly and maintains the compactness of the roll.

Before moving on to my vegetarian capunet, I’ll leave you mine traditional version and the anti-waste version.