Sunday 18 August 2013

Creamy Lentils

Golden syrup dumplings were the first sweet dish I could cook. These lentils were the first savoury dish I could make. It has saved me on many an occasion!

I remember making this for my friends when I first moved out of home. I felt very domestic, given that the rest our meals were pasta, crackers and takeaway. 

My friends were reluctant to try it because it contained lentils, but everyone loved it in the end. Really, why do lentils have such a bad name with omnivores? No, they are not very attractive [see photo] but they can be so delicious!

My mum used to make these lentils with sour cream and butter, and so did I until I became vegan, but it is pretty easily veganised. You could try using other vegetables or adding some type of vegan sour cream at the end. It can be a stew or soup, depending on how much liquid you use. 

For me, this is the ultimate comfort food.  


Creamy Lentils

1 1/2 - 2 cups dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
2 carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 cup peas
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp vegan margarine (I use Nuttelex)
4 tbsp flour
juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp salt or to taste

Put the lentils, carrots, onion and peas into a large saucepan and cover generously with water (or stock). Bring to the boil and simmer until lentils are cooked but there is still a bit of liquid. You may need to add water as necessary. 

Put the oil and margarine in a small saucepan on low/medium heat. When the margarine has melted, add the flour and stir for a few minutes, being careful not to burn it.

Add this mixture to the lentils and stir, adding the lemon juice and salt to taste. 

Serve on its own, with rice or bread!

Enjoy!





10 comments:

  1. I've never had this sort of dish but lentils are comfort food for me too so I can see that it looks very homey - I think I would be as happy without the creaminess though I do have a creamy lentil and veg soup I love

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    1. I also love lentils without the creaminess, but this recipe has a special place in my heart :)

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  2. I love lentils and also wish they had a better reputation - but like Johanna have never tried them this way! I usually have tomato or herb flavourings and haven't ventured into the creamy territory.

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    1. I usually have tomato based lentil dishes, or just with veggies. This one is quite different - let me know what you think if you make it!

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  3. Oh perfect, I was wondering what to make for dinner that might go well with polenta. We have a winner!

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    1. Oh good!! Let me know what you thought of it :)

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    2. It was great, and SUPER easy to put together. Winner!

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    3. So glad you liked it!!! :)

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  4. My god this looks amazing! Since my partner and I are both students, we're usually on a very tight budget. This will be perfect! I think I might make if for dinner sometime this week.

    I too love lentils but I agree, they have a bad reputation for some reason. I've always loved them though, maybe because my mum made lentil dishes when I was a child? I find them very comforting, lentil stew, lentil pasta, lentil cottage pie... there's just something snuggly about lentils!

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    1. Thanks Kayla! Hope you like it! It's a nice change from tomatoey lentils, and the extra oil / marg makes it richer, and gotta love how cheap and satisfying lentils are :)

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