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Traditional Spanish lentils: a classic recipe
26 Jun

Traditional Spanish lentils: a classic recipe

Recipe for making traditional Spanish lentils. Immerse yourself in the unique taste of Spanish cuisine with every spoonful of our lentils.

Índice

Buying Spanish lentils online to enjoy this recipe allows you to enjoy one of the most typical dishes of our gastronomy anywhere in the world. Lentils are one of the most complete legumes and can be enjoyed in many different ways.

The recipe for traditional Spanish lentils


The lentils recipe can be made in several ways, the basic process for 4 people is as follows.

 

Ingredients:

1 cup of lentils (approximately 200 grams).

2 large carrots

1 large onion

2 cloves of garlic

1 green or red pepper

1 ripe tomato

2 medium potatoes

1 chorizo sausage (optional)

2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon of sweet paprika

olive oil

1.5 litres of water (approximately)

 

Preparation:

  • Wash the lentils under the tap and soak them for at least one hour.
  • Peel and chop the onion, garlic cloves, carrots, pepper and tomato. Peel the potatoes and cut them into not too small pieces.
  • In a large pot, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the onion, garlic and pepper until the onion is transparent.
  • Add the carrots and potatoes, sauté for a couple of minutes more.
  • Add the chopped tomato and cook for a couple of minutes.
  • If you are going to use chorizo, cut it into slices and add it to the pot. Sauté a little.
  • Add the drained lentils, bay leaves, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
  • Add water to cover all ingredients. The amount of water may vary depending on the type of lentil, but is generally about 1.5 litres.
  • Bring to a boil over medium-low heat with the pot half-covered for about an hour, or until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Check the salt and adjust if necessary.

Other recipes to which lentils can be added

  1. Lentils are a very versatile legume that can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes. Here are some ideas of recipes to which you can add lentils: 
  2. Lentil Salad: Cooked lentils can be added to a salad along with your favourite vegetables, feta cheese and a balsamic vinegar dressing. It's a fresh and nutritious dish perfect for hot days.
  3. Lentil soup: You can make a lentil soup with carrot, celery, onion and tomato. Add spices such as cumin and paprika for extra flavour.
  4. Lentils with rice: This is a classic dish in many cultures. You just need to cook the lentils and rice separately, then combine them and add your favourite spices.
  5. Lentil curry: You can make a lentil curry with coconut milk, turmeric, ginger and other spices. Serve this dish with basmati rice or naan bread.
  6. Lentils with sausage: Lentils cooked with smoked sausage and vegetables is a nutritious dish.
  7. Lentil burgers: You can make veggie burgers with cooked lentils, oatmeal and your favourite vegetables and spices.
  8. Lentil pasta: Lentils can be added to a tomato pasta sauce, providing a source of protein in a pasta dish.
  9. Lentils with roasted vegetables: Cooked lentils go well with roasted vegetables such as squash, sweet potatoes, carrots and onions.
  10. Lentil stew: A lentil stew with vegetables and meat (such as pork or beef) is a comforting and flavourful dish.
  11. Lentil dip: Cooked and mashed lentils can be the base for a dip or spread, similar to hummus. Just add garlic, tahini, lemon and your favourite spices.

The health benefits of lentils


Lentils are an excellent source of nutrients and have many health benefits, such as those listed below.

 

  • Rich in protein: Lentils are an excellent source of vegetable protein, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians, vegans or anyone looking to increase their protein intake without resorting to meat.
  • Source of fibre: Lentils contain a high amount of fibre, which aids digestion and can promote satiety, which is beneficial for weight control. Fibre also helps control blood sugar levels.
  • High in iron: Lentils are rich in iron, a mineral essential for the production of haemoglobin and the proper function of red blood cells. Therefore, eating lentils can help prevent iron deficiency anaemia.
  • Cardiovascular benefits: Lentils are low in fat and contain both soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre may help lower blood cholesterol levels, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • Source of folate: Lentils are rich in folate, a B vitamin that is essential for the formation of red and white blood cells, the conversion of carbohydrates into energy, and the production of DNA and RNA.
  • Rich in potassium: Lentils contain potassium, which is important for muscle and nerve function and for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body.
  • Low in calories: Despite their high nutritional content, lentils are relatively low in calories, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
  • Gluten-free: Lentils are gluten-free, making them suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Traditional Spanish lentils at Your Spanish Shop

In the online catalogue of Your Spanish Shop we offer you a wide selection of Spanish pardina lentils, as well as lentils of other varieties with which you can enjoy your favourite dishes, with the certainty of having the best lentils in the world.



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