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Black Lentils With Fresh Herbs

Black Lentils with Fresh Herbs | Magnolia Days

The bag with the little black legumes caught my attention. It was on the top shelf behind an assortment of pastas. They were different than any lentils available in my local market. The bag was soon in my cart and the wonder of how they taste went through my mind. My thoughts then went to flavorings. How to prepare them without overpowering the base flavor? The answer was to keep it simple. My garden provided the flavor element and I made black lentils with fresh herbs.

The bag contained black Beluga lentils. They have a nutty flavor and look similar to caviar when cooked. They also have a glistening quality and do not fall apart as easily as other lentils. The simplicity of cooking them with onion and garlic then finishing with fresh herbs makes a side dish worthy of many meals. A chili pod simmers along in the process and adds a subtle warmth.

Black Lentils with Fresh Herbs | Magnolia Days

Rain has fallen every day for a week. It has been a very wet spring and summer. Our rainfall this year so far surpasses all of last year. The grey skies and daily rain are stirring up cravings for comfort food. I’ve found myself making fettuccini alfredo, turkey cutlets, and scavenging the freezer for leftover sauerbraten and spaetzle. Black lentils with fresh herbs enticed me to get out my grill pan so they could go alongside grilled chicken. Hopefully the rain will subside soon and I can fire up the big grill outside.

What do you crave when it rains? Does it depend on the season? Share your rainy day cravings and, who knows, it may inspire me to tackle a recipe and find a new favorite. I do enjoy the inspiration and to hear from you.

Black Lentils with Fresh Herbs | Magnolia Days
4 from 1 vote
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Black Lentils With Fresh Herbs

A recipe for black Beluga lentils with fresh herbs. Black lentils have a nutty flavor it and is complimented with fresh parsley, rosemary, and thyme.
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Author Renee

Ingredients

  • 1 cup black Beluga lentils
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 dried red chili pod
  • 1 garlic clove finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs parsley, rosemary, chives, and/or basil

Instructions

  1. Sort through lentils to pick out any small stones or debris. Rinse lentils with cool water and drain.
  2. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the onion and chili pod. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened and translucent.
  4. Add the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add the lentils and stir to coat with the oil. Cook for 2 minutes.
  6. Add the water and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer partially covered until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.
  7. Drain lentils and transfer to a serving bowl. Remove and discard chili pod.
  8. Gently stir in the fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Recipe Notes

A recipe for black Beluga lentils with fresh herbs. Black lentils have a nutty flavor it and is complimented with fresh parsley, rosemary, and thyme.

Recipe Rating




Jessica

Sunday 11th of August 2013

Hey these look amazing, I will be trying tonight, thanks for sharing! Is it necessary to soak the lentils longer than just a rinse?

Renee

Monday 12th of August 2013

It is not necessary to soak the lentils. A rinse is all you need.

Angie | Big Bear's Wife

Wednesday 10th of July 2013

I'll have to look for this next time I'm at the store!! oo and my rainy day cravings = mac and cheese!

Renee

Saturday 13th of July 2013

I'm also a fan of mac and cheese on a rainy day. Love the comfort of it.

Jaime

Wednesday 10th of July 2013

Hi Renee! I haven't cooked lentils in a while, but these look perfect for a rainy day. We are, at long last, getting some sunshine in London, so I'll be archiving this recipe for winter at the end of the year xx

Renee

Saturday 13th of July 2013

I bet London is spectacular on a sunny summer day. I do want to visit it one day.

Deb

Tuesday 9th of July 2013

A warm bowl of lentils is just the comfort we need on one of our foggy, gray summer days. Adore the herbs for simmering, summer flavor!

Renee

Saturday 13th of July 2013

Thanks Deb. It's been the wettest summer and these lentils were right with the rainy day mood.

The Ninja Baker

Tuesday 9th of July 2013

Mmm. Anything that looks like caviar has my vote!

Renee

Saturday 13th of July 2013

Thanks Kim. These lentils are really my favorite ones. The way they look and taste are amazing.