Lovely Lentils (Crazy Jack Organic Red Split Lentils)

Member Name: Loubielou22

Product:	Crazy Jack Organic Red Split Lentils
Date:	04/06/09 (50 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Versatile, easy to cook and good for you

Disadvantages: Slightly bland without flavoring.

Crazy Jack Organic Red Split Lentils



******Explanation******

The lentil or daal or pulse or Masoor dal (Lens culinaris) is a bushy annual plant of the legume family, grown for its lens-shaped seeds. It is about 15 inches (38 cm) tall and the seeds grow in pods, usually with two seeds in each.

******Background******
The plant originated in the Near East, and has been part of the human diet since the aceramic (non-pottery producing) Neolithic times, being one of the first crops domesticated in the Near East. With 26% protein, lentils have the third highest level of protein from any plant-based food after soybeans and hemp, and is an important part of the diet in many parts of the world, especially in Indian subcontinent which have large vegetarian populations.
A variety of lentils exists with colors that range from yellow to red-orange to green, brown and black. Red, white and yellow lentils are decorticated, i.e., they have their skins removed. There are large and small varieties of many lentils (e.g., Masoor Lentils). Lentils are sold in many forms, with or without the skins, whole or split.
***Source - Wikipedia***



******Nutritional Information******

- Lentils are packed with nutrients, fiber, complex carbohydrates, and folic acid. Lentils are a low calorie; low fat and cholesterol free food as well as being inexpensive.

Folic acid is one very important nutrient found in lentils. The U.S. Health Service recommends that all women of childbearing age consume 400 mcg of folic acid per day. Most women do not meet this guideline. One cup of cooked lentils provides 90% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Lentils provide more folic acid than any other unfortified food.

Lentils are also an important source of iron, especially for women, whose iron needs are greater. Eating lentils with foods rich in Vitamin C, such as tomatoes, green peppers, broccoli, and citrus fruits or juices, helps the body absorb iron more efficiently.

Lentils are also protein rich. They lack only one protein, methionine. Adding grains, eggs, nuts, seeds, meat, dairy products, or eggs will provide a complete protein.

***Source:- http://www.flavasava.co.uk***



******Review:******

Red Split Lentils are a great addition to any Kitchen Cupboard, the humble red split lentil is versatile and can be added to a variety of recipes whilst being neither Time consuming or elaborate to cook.

The lentils are small tiny, flat lentils and more orange than red in colour; they have a slightly earthy, nutty taste and are usually better when flavoring is added during the cooking process.

Red Split Lentils can be purchased as requiring soaking overnight or ready to cook, the lentils in this review are the ready to cook variety.

******Cooking Time******

Cooking times vary and it is always best to refer to the Manufacturers guidelines but generally I would fill a saucepan with Red Split Lentils, cover with water and boil for 10 minutes adding ingredients and then leave to simmer for a further 20-30 minutes. The lentils are ready when they are tender.

Recipe

Lentils lend themselves to a variety of dishes and are usually a great addition to a hearty, wholesome Vegetable based soup.

I tend to cook lentils as a main meal and this is the usual recipe that I use.

Lentil Dahl,
Fry, Ginger, Garlic and red onion and cover the lentils in water and put on the boil for 10 minutes whilst the Garlic, Ginger and Onion fry.

Once the Ginger, Garlic and Red Onion are slightly browned, add top the Boiling saucepan of lentils, and add a drop of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of Garam masala, Red Peppers, Parsley, Turmeric and Paprika.

Stir and leave to simmer for 20 minutes, then add spinach and Curly Kale cook for a further 5 mins and leave to cool for a further 5 minutes. Then serve/

The Mixture should be of a slightly thick consistency.

******Packaging******
The Packaging is very basic and comprises of the lentils being placed inside a thick plastic pouch with a re-sealable tab to use once opened. There is a picture of the lentils on the front and the packaging is green and blue.

*******Value for Money******
I think this product is good value for money as a minimal amount of lentils can make a hearty meal and dependant upon how often you use the product it can go a long way.

Prices:-
Tesco £1.49
(29.8p / 100g)
Crazy Jack Organic Red Split Lentils (500g)



Advantages
Versatile, easy to cook and good for you

Disadvantages
Slightly bland without flavoring.

Summary: A Great side dish or main meal