Easy recipes for lentils and other pulses

[Grace Johnson]

Nice one, some of that stuff sounds quite tasty. I know about lentils as I had eat loads when I was in Neapl, but what about all those other packets of strange dried things you see in the supermarket next to them. What do you do with those?

Also anyone got a simple dal recepie that makes a more soupey dal? Wasn't so keen on the thicker stuff in India, but the stuff I got cooked in Nepal was pretty good.

To make any dal more soupy you can just add stock. Either cubes or gels made up with water or homemade stock, just add at the end bring to the boil and keep adding stock with water until you get the consistency you want. Might need a litttle bit more seasoning too but you can just figure that out by tasting it innit

 

[Herbsman.]

I don't eat meat but i train a lot so like to get a decent amount of protein in me.

What are you training for, if you don't mind me asking? Do you do an endurance sport or strength-based/explosive power sport ?

 

[Grace Johnson]

What are you training for, if you don't mind me asking? Do you do an endurance sport or strength-based/explosive power sport ?

I'm training for long distance swimming but I do strength and conditioning in the gym to help with that.

My aim is to have at least quite competitive outdoor swim times in the races they have in the quays near me. I am nowhere close to winning anything but I am focusing on it as a way to recover from post traumatic stress and also from generally being a massive wreck head for many years.

So I'm not an expert or anything but I have read a lot because it's been really important to me over the last 18 months or so. Making sure I am getting proper nutrition has really helped my performance and my mental state too.

So yeah endurance has mostly been my focus but if there's anything you wanted to know about nutrition wise I can probably point you in the right direction, got a bit of library going innit

 

[UnderOpenSky]

To make any dal more soupy you can just add stock. Either cubes or gels made up with water or homemade stock, just add at the end bring to the boil and keep adding stock with water until you get the consistency you want. Might need a litttle bit more seasoning too but you can just figure that out by tasting it innit

I love stock cubes and they are essential for me when making dahl. Can't believe it's almost ten years since I made the OP and how limited my diet was back then.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

So although I have 4 types of lentils at home and often cook chickpeas, beans have been something that come from a can of white I buy loads of different types to make veggie chilli.

Bought a load of dried ones yesterday and fancy a go at baked bean kind of thing in the slow cooker. Obviously a million different recipes, but it's cooking times when using a slow cooker that still confuse me. Can I dump them all in at the start of the day or will they still be hard at the end if not presoaked.

Salt in the water if soaking them or not?

 

[Herbsman.]

I'm training for long distance swimming but I do strength and conditioning in the gym to help with that.
....
So yeah endurance has mostly been my focus but if there's anything you wanted to know about nutrition wise I can probably point you in the right direction, got a bit of library going innit

Was just curious innit. Do you use www.veganfitness.net?

 

[Cheesypoof]

So although I have 4 types of lentils at home and often cook chickpeas, beans have been something that come from a can of white I buy loads of different types to make veggie chilli.

Bought a load of dried ones yesterday and fancy a go at baked bean kind of thing in the slow cooker. Obviously a million different recipes, but it's cooking times when using a slow cooker that still confuse me. Can I dump them all in at the start of the day or will they still be hard at the end if not presoaked.

Salt in the water if soaking them or not?

Soak your lentils and peas overnight or for a few hours (even dried peas dont really need 24 hours, but you do need to wash them). Rinse, rinse and RINSE those mofos. If you leave them for about two hours in cold water, then put them in the slow cooker for five hours (checking occasionally) they should be fine. And dont forget your garlic and herbs! x

 

[Rebelda]

So although I have 4 types of lentils at home and often cook chickpeas, beans have been something that come from a can of white I buy loads of different types to make veggie chilli.

Bought a load of dried ones yesterday and fancy a go at baked bean kind of thing in the slow cooker. Obviously a million different recipes, but it's cooking times when using a slow cooker that still confuse me. Can I dump them all in at the start of the day or will they still be hard at the end if not presoaked.

Salt in the water if soaking them or not?

I think some beans need a 10 minute rollicking boil to make them safe to eat. You might want to check because a slow cooker won't achieve that.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

I think some beans need a 10 minute rollicking boil to make them safe to eat. You might want to check because a slow cooker won't achieve that.

Thanks. Knew that about kidney beans, will keep it I mind for others.

 

[UrbaneFox]

I'm getting my act back together, on the food front at least, and started with a pan full of dhal. Alas I discovered that I have no jeera, so compensated by adding more of everything else. Fresh coriander saved it.

 

[Maggot]

https://www.riverford.co.uk/bex/recipes/view/recipe/spring-green-and-coconut-dal

This is well tasty and very versatile. I usually make it with red lentils, and use creamed coconut instead of milk as it's cheaper.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

It feels very decadent with Coconut Milk, it's lovely. Ive got at least 4 different types of dahl now.

 

[Cheesypoof]

https://www.riverford.co.uk/bex/recipes/view/recipe/spring-green-and-coconut-dal

This is well tasty and very versatile. I usually make it with red lentils, and use creamed coconut instead of milk as it's cheaper.

That sounds amazing...... I too, love cooking with pulses, and make lots of smokey bean stews, but will explore more Asian style themes. I've made dal curries before and they are always such good value for money, great for your health and so satisfying. I usually roast some peppers alongside the beans and add them to the stew for extra flavour. Mmmm....

 

[Maggot]

So although I have 4 types of lentils at home and often cook chickpeas, beans have been something that come from a can of white I buy loads of different types to make veggie chilli.

Bought a load of dried ones yesterday and fancy a go at baked bean kind of thing in the slow cooker. Obviously a million different recipes, but it's cooking times when using a slow cooker that still confuse me. Can I dump them all in at the start of the day or will they still be hard at the end if not presoaked.

Salt in the water if soaking them or not?

I used to buy dried beans, but found that the hassle and cost of soaking and boiling them wasn't worth it. Now I only buy tinned.

 

[Maggot]

I made this refried beans recipe the other day. It's good, it uses tinned beans, but I'm sure dried, cooked ones (and other varieties) would be fine.

Refried beans foldover

 

[UnderOpenSky]

I used to buy dried beans, but found that the hassle and cost of soaking and boiling them wasn't worth it. Now I only buy tinned.

It certainly feels like a ball ache on the hob, they take hours! It still helps to soak them, but the pressure cooker makes it very quick.

Still looking for finding recipes for beans (rather then lentils). Done chilli, Boston typed baked beans, chilli and nice burrito filling I found in Thugs Kitchen.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

I made this refried beans recipe the other day. It's good, it uses tinned beans, but I'm sure dried, cooked ones (and other varieties) would be fine.

Refried beans foldover

Yeah. That's something I need to have a go at. Only had them out a tin.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

The pressure cooker is great doing this quickly, but find you have to get the timing right and there is no visual indicator and they need to be soaked for best results.

Started using a slow cooker, which gives great results, but mine is huge. Like feed an army big. Just ordered a tiny 1.8 liter one for 15 quid so should actually get round to eating more pulses.