Best Steamed Lentils Recipes

OVEN-STEAMED SALMON WITH LENTILS AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan or soup pot over medium heat and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes, and add 1/2 teaspoon salt and the garlic. Stir together for a minute, until fragrant, and add the lentils, sun-dried tomatoes, bay leaf, and enough water to cover by an inch. Bring to a simmer, cover and simmer 25 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste and simmer another 5 to 10 minutes, until the lentils are tender and aromatic. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove the bay leaf and the sun-dried tomatoes. Keep warm while you cook the salmon.
• While the lentils are cooking, preheat the oven to 300ºF. Cover a baking sheet with foil and lightly oil the foil. Place the salmon on top. Season with salt and pepper. Fill a roasting pan with boiling water and place it on the oven floor.
• Place the salmon in the oven and bake until the fish flakes and white bubbles of protein appear on the surface, 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the fillets. Remove from the heat.
• Using a slotted spoon, spoon the lentils onto 4 dinner plates and place a serving of salmon on top. Sprinkle with herbs, and serve.

STEAMED LENTILS

Steps:

• Sort through dry lentils to look for stones or other debris.
• Put sorted lentils in a large bowl and cover with water (8 cups or so).
• Soak lentils for 8-12 hours.
• Drain the water, rinse the lentils, and drain again.
• Using an electric steamer with a rice bowl (e.g. Oster brand), fill the water reservoir to the "max" or "full" line.
• Add lentils plus 2 cups water to the rice bowl.
• Assemble your steamer for cooking rice per the directions on the steamer.
• Steam the lentils for about 60 minutes.
• Turn off the steamer and allow the lentils to rest for 10 minutes.
• Season as desired and serve.
• Makes (4) 1/2 cup servings or (8) 1/4 cup servings.

STEAMED LENTILS WITH SAFFRON

Steps:

• Rinse the lentils well.
• Heat the vegetable stock in a small pot.
• Meanwhile, in a different medium pot heat the olive oil.
• Add the onion and cook until translucent, 5 to 8 minutes, then add the prosciutto and cook for a few more minutes.
• Add the lentils, cook for another 2-3 minutes, and pour the white wine.
• Add the saffron and cook until the alcohol has evaporated, 4-5 minutes.
• Add the stock, salt to taste, and cook over low heat for 50 minutes to 1 hour, covered.
• Add water or more stock if necessary.