Chicken, Red Lentil & Spinach Curry Recipe | Waitrose & Partners (2024)

FAQs

Do red lentils need to be soaked? ›

Do red lentils need to be soaked before cooking? No, there is no need to soak red lentils before cooking but it is a good idea to give them a quick rinse.

Legumes, and lentils are no exception, have a low glycaemic index (GI) which slows the rate at which the energy they supply is released into the bloodstream. This helps improve blood sugar management. The high fibre content also makes them very filling which helps appetite control.

There are 528 calories per portion in this Lentil Curry, which means it falls into our Special Occasion category. To cut down the amount of calories even more, you can simply halve the portion size and serve with a healthy accompaniment.

With red lentils the only reaosn I can see for rinsing is to (slightly) reduce foaming; with Puy lentils and some others even that's not an issue and you may lose flavour.

Soak and Rinse Legumes: Before cooking legumes, soak them in water for several hours or overnight. This helps soften the legumes and removes some of the complex sugars that can contribute to gas production. Rinse the soaked legumes thoroughly before cooking.

Consuming an excessive amount of red lentils may result in unpleasant flatulence. There are potential amino acid-related adverse effects, including kidney distress. Potassium poisoning can occur in certain persons who consume large amounts of red lentils due to their high potassium concentration.

Black Lentils (Beluga lentils)

Best of all, black lentils are the most nutritious variety of lentils, boasting the highest amount of protein, plus high levels of calcium, potassium, and iron.

Most people can enjoy lentils as part of their regular diet without any concern. But lentils also contain natural compounds called anti-nutrients. These substances bind with nutrients like iron and zinc, making them harder for our bodies to absorb. Soaking and cooking lentils can help reduce this effect.

Any Indian curries that are tomato-based, like tandoori, madras, jalfrezi, rogan and bhuna, are the lowest in calories. They average around 200-300 calories. If you want an even healthier option, consider a sauce-free dish like fish tikka (which is only 180 calories).

How long does it keep? This red lentil curry will keep well in the fridge for 4 to 5 days and it's easily reheated in a pot on the stovetop. It also freezes really well, for up to 3 months. Thaw it fully in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What happens if you don't soak lentils? ›

Well, as healthy as they are, lentils are also known to cause some tummy issues like bloating and flatulence to be more specific. The presence of anti-nutrient compounds in lentils is the culprit behind gas or flatulence. The good news is that anti-nutrient in lentils can be easily deactivated by soaking them in water.

In a large bowl, rinse and soak your red lentils for around 4 hours or overnight. Be sure to cover the lentils with enough water as they are going to soak up quite a bit. Once soaked, drain and rinse thoroughly.

You do not need to soak red lentils before cooking. They cook very quickly and break down easily without prior soaking. Do red lentils get mushy when cooked? Yes, red lentils are supposed to get mushy and break down into a puree-like texture when cooked.

Red lentils do not need soaking. Puy lentils don't need soaking (and are delish). Less sludgy than red or yellow.