Dried lentils should be a staple of every
pantry, since they're so earthy, hearty and cheap! Apart from being
absolutely delicious, they are also very high in minerals, protein and
fiber. Lentils also provide you with an energy boost and are great for
your heart, too. Below, you'll find the 5 most common types of lentils
available, so keep reading to find out all about them!
1. Brown Lentils
Brown lentils are by far one of the most
popular types of lentils that can be found in the United States. Most
grocery stores stock them, and they are a type of lentil that holds its
shape very nicely once cooked. They have a mild and earthy flavor and
can be used as a natural thickener when making veggie burgers or soup.
2. Green Lentils
Green lentils are another popular type of
lentil found in the USA. Their flavor is slightly spicy and they have a
rather firm texture. However, they do unfortunately have the lengthiest
cooking time out of all the varieties (about 40 minutes). These lentils
are perfect as a warm side dish or in a French-style, too.
3. Red Lentils
Red lentils are small split lentils that
you can cook really quickly. They're commonly used in Middle Eastern,
Mediterranean, and Indian dishes and become soft when cooked. This makes
them ideal to use in soups, purées, and stews.
4. Yellow Lentils
Yellow lentils are very similar to red
lentils, however, they have a vibrant bright yellow color. They're
nutty, sweet and only take around 15 minutes to cook. Yellow lentils are
commonly used in certain Indian dishes, such as Yellow Lentil Dal with
Curry.
5. Black Lentils
Black lentils, also commonly known as
beluga lentils, are unique black lentils that look a lot like beluga
caviar. They have a rich and earthy flavor, a firm texture, and are by
far the most nutritious out of all types of lentils. They make the
perfect side dish to be paired with chicken or fish.