About Organic Black Beluga Lentils
Are they good for you?
Black Beluga lentils are so called because they resemble the glossy black caviar. They are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fibre. A high fibre diet has been shown to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, improve digestion, help to lower blood sugar levels, and contribute to healthy weight.
Black lentils offer a cheap way to pack your diet with nutrients, such as large amounts of vegan-friendly plant-based protein. Luckily, they are also low in calories and have virtually no saturated fats. If that weren't enough, black lentils are rich in polyphenols, nutrients thought to protect against heart disease.
Their glossy black colour is caused by a plant compound called anthocyanin, a potent antioxidant found in other blue or black fruit and vegetables like blueberries, plums, and cherries.
What can they be used for?
Black lentils have a richer, more intensely earthy flavour than other varieties of lentil, and they taste great served with other proteins and meaty vegetables.
Because black lentils hold together so well, they're perfect for meal prep recipes. They'll stay together in a slow cooker, so you can drop them in and let them cook while you do other things, and they keep in the fridge for several days, so you can cook a big batch at the beginning of the week and add them to different dishes each day.
They are an easy way to add nutrition to soups, stews, casseroles, salads, sauces and other vegetarian dishes.
To prepare them spread them out in a thin layer to check for damage or debris. Rinse in a colander. Pour the rinsed lentils into a large stockpot or saucepan. Add water or flavoured stock or broth for additional flavour. As a general rule, use 1 1/2 cups of liquid for every 1 cup of dry lentils. Add additional seasonings to the pot, if desired. Ideas include minced garlic, chopped onions or dried herbs and spices. Bring to the boil and allow to simmer for 25 to 35 minutes. Allow to cool after draining and before eating.
How do you store them?
Store dried lentils in an airtight container in the cupboard or in a cool dry place for up to one year. Cover and refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
Dried lentils that have been cooked can be kept covered in the fridge for 5-7 days or frozen for up to 6 months.
What is a serving size?
Dried, 15g to 20g. Cooked, 40g to 60g or 1 to 2 tablespoons.
For more information on cooking pulses follow this link to our Real Foods Guide To Pulses.
Disclaimer
Please be aware that while we take every care to ensure the product information that is displayed on our website is correct, manufacturers often change their product recipes. This may affect nutrition, ingredient, and allergen information. Therefore you should always check product labels before use, and not rely solely on the information presented here. If you require specific advice on any Real Foods own label branded product, please contact our Customer services department. For all other brands, please contact the brand owner directly.