Life

3 savoury recipes that bring lentils into the limelight

Spiced, comforting, hardy and delicious dishes especially perfect for winter.

Spiced, comforting, hardy and delicious dishes especially perfect for winter

(All photography by Shayma Owaise Saadat)

The humble lentil is an absolutely wonderful and versatile ingredient, which seldom gets the attention it deserves. These recipes bring lentils into the limelight!

Lentils can be used in a variety of ways, and are especially delicious when combined with other ingredients, such as roasted vegetables and rice. Dal aur sabzi is a one-pot dish of red lentils gently simmered on the stove, with the addition of kale and roasted carrots.

A soft, creamy khichdi, makes use of both mung lentils and basmati rice. The third dish (which can be enjoyed as a main or a side) is a lentil and roasted sweet potato salad, studded with garnet-red pomegranate arils. As the weather turns and we look for comforting meals to enjoy in the warmth of our homes, I hope you will make these dishes over and over again. They're just perfect for this season.

Dal aur Sabzi: Lentils with Roasted Carrots and Kale

Overhead shot of a green plate of Dal aur Sabzi, Lentils with Roasted Carrots and Kale on a white lace tablecloth. A yellow plate of basmati rice sits next to it.

Khichdi

Overhead shot of a bowl of Khichdi topped with red chili slices, cilantro and a dollop of yogurt.

Sweet Potato and Lentil Salad in a Sweet and Sour Lime Vinaigrette

A bowl of lentil salad with chunks of sweet potatoes in it, and topped with microgreens and pomegranate arils. Small bowls of pomegranate arils and salad dressing sit next to the salad.

Shayma Owaise Saadat is a food writer and chef. She lives in Toronto with her husband and son. You can follow her culinary journey at www.shaymasaadat.com or on Instagram at @SpiceSpoon.

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