Lentils: the healthy and tasty superfood to include in your diet

Lentils

Lentils are the seeds of plants belonging to the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family. Their species, culinaris, has been cultivated for thousands of years in different parts of the world, especially in the Middle East and Asia. There are numerous varieties of lentils, with different shapes and colors. The common lentils, which are more easily found in grocery stores, are brown, green or pink. However, there are also rarer varieties such as black lentils, red lentils and yellow lentils. Lentils have been used in human nutrition since ancient times. They are easily stored and are a source of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals. In particular, lentils are rich in vegetable proteins, which make them an excellent alternative to meat for vegetarians and vegans. In the kitchen, lentils are a very versatile ingredient. They are often used in soups and soups, but they can also be steamed or boiled and served as a side dish or accompaniment to meat or fish dishes. Furthermore, lentils are often used to prepare salads, as they retain their texture and flavor well even after being seasoned. In general, lentils are a very nutritious and healthy food. Thanks to their abundance of fiber, they can help you feel fuller longer and regulate blood sugar metabolism. In addition, lentils contain iron, calcium and B vitamins, which help maintain a healthy immune system and produce energy. In summary, lentils are a nutritious, versatile and healthy food. They are easy to cook and can be used in many different dishes. If you are looking for a healthy alternative to meat or if you simply want to add a nutritious ingredient to your diet, lentils are definitely a good choice.

Nutritional properties of lentil flour

Lentil flour is a very versatile ingredient in the kitchen, which can be used to enrich the texture and flavor of different first courses. This product is able to provide a wide range of nutritional benefits thanks to its high amount of protein, fiber and mineral salts. First of all, lentil flour contains a good percentage of calories, which allow it to maintain a certain amount of energy during the day. This makes it an excellent ingredient for main meals, as our body needs a good dose of energy to function properly. Furthermore, lentils are a food that can provide a physiologically balanced diet, thanks to their contribution of calories and a series of other essential nutrients. Lentils are a source of protein, in fact, it contains a large amount of essential amino acids that are important for building muscle tissue. Proteins are an essential element of the human diet, as they play a fundamental role in the growth and reconstruction of our body tissues. For this reason, using lentil flour in your main meal can be a great way to integrate a source of protein into your diet. Lentil flour is also a source of fiber, which helps the body regulate digestion and keep you full for a longer period of time. The fibers are increased during the production of the flour, since the lentils are reduced to powder, but the amount of fiber maintained is still very useful for our body. Mineral salts, on the other hand, are a source of essential nutrients for the body. In fact, lentil flour contains iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. These mineral elements are essential for the health and correct function of many vital organs of our body, and are particularly useful for the functioning of the bone system. In summary, lentil flour is an excellent food choice for those who want to follow a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients for our body. Its high concentration of proteins, fibres, mineral salts and calories make it a very useful ingredient to enrich first courses and to ensure a good supply of energy throughout the day. Furthermore, thanks to its versatility, it can be used to enrich the texture and flavor of many creative and delicious culinary preparations.

Video Recipes

Lentils are a versatile food that lends itself to numerous preparations in the kitchen, including lentil flour. The latter is a very useful ingredient for the preparation of gluten-free dishes, thanks to its fine and soft consistency. In this paragraph we will see some recipes and useful tips for cooking with lentil flour. One of the first preparations in which lentil flour can be used is for the creation of original and tasty crepes. To make them, just mix the lentil flour with water, salt and a pinch of turmeric (to give colour) until you get a homogeneous mixture. Quantities of the mixture are then placed on the pan for a few minutes until the crepes turn golden. At this point, they can be stuffed with vegetables, cheese or meat. Alternatively, lentil flour can be used to prepare gluten-free bread. In this case, mix the flour with water, brewer's yeast and olive oil to form a dough. Leave to rise and then bake in the oven until the bread acquires the right consistency and colour. Lentil flour is also the main ingredient of lentil polenta, a simple and tasty dish. To cook it, simply mix the flour with water, milk or broth until the mixture thickens. At this point, grated cheese, butter and pepper can be added to enrich the flavour. Another way to use lentil flour is in the preparation of desserts. In fact, it can be used as an ingredient to make delicious savory pies, used as an ingredient for biscuits or for the creation of a typical Indian dessert such as "barfi", a sweet and creamy mixture made from milk and lentil flour. In conclusion, lentil flour is a very versatile ingredient in the kitchen, which lends itself to numerous original and tasty preparations. Thanks to its nutritional properties, it is also indicated for a balanced and healthy diet, also ideal for those who follow a gluten-free diet.