Lentils Taste 10x Better This Way Than Boiled: Try This Method!

For many, lentils might conjure up less-than-fond memories of school cafeterias. Those days of unappetizing dishes that only the addition of hearty sausages could salvage are gone. It’s time to rediscover this versatile legume; truly, when cooked right, lentils can be utterly delicious! In her recipe, Andréa from the Instagram account @le.renard.et.les.raisins, whips them up into a salad. You’ll be amazed at the transformation…

Here, the lentils are neither mushy nor soggy. Baked in the oven with spices, soy sauce, and olive oil, they come out fragrant and crispy like never before. “They’re ten times better than lentils boiled in water!”, Andréa says excitedly. When mixed with fresh raw vegetables, herbs, and a revamped dressing, these “twisted” lentils are a hit with everyone.

• 200 g of red lentils
• Spices (such as curry)
• Soy sauce
• 20 pitted olives
• 2 bell peppers (one red and one yellow)
• 250 g of cherry tomatoes
• 1 cucumber
• Parsley
• Mint
• 1 scallion

For the dressing:

• 4 tbsp of sesame paste
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tbsp of soy sauce
• 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp of turmeric

1. Rinse the lentils and drain them, then place them in a pot with 500 ml of boiling salted water. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat. Cover and let sit for about ten minutes. The lentils should still hold their shape!

2. Drain well and then toss with a tablespoon of olive oil, a teaspoon of spices, and a tablespoon of soy sauce. Spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in an even layer.

3. Bake for 30 minutes in an oven preheated to 350°F (180°C), stirring halfway through cooking.

4. Chop all the vegetables. Prepare the sesame dressing by mixing all the ingredients with a little boiling water (start with 100 ml and gradually add more water until you achieve a creamy texture).

Now, all that’s left is to grab your prettiest salad bowl, and mix the crispy lentils, dressing, and raw veggies together. This original and very tasty recipe will make you quickly forget those traumatic memories from your school cafeteria days.