What simple lentil recipes can be cooked once and reused twice?

Question

What simple lentil recipes can be cooked once and then reused twice? Discover how to use one pot of dal for two very different dishes.

Answer 1

Lentil soup and lentil chili are excellent choices for cooking once and reusing twice. They are versatile, flavorful, and can be easily transformed into different meals.

Detailed Explanation:

Lentils are a fantastic ingredient for meal prepping because they are nutritious, affordable, and reheat well. Here's how you can cook once and reuse twice with lentil soup and lentil chili:

1. Lentil Soup (Day 1): Start by making a large batch of lentil soup. A basic recipe includes lentils (brown or green work well), vegetable broth, diced carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and your favorite herbs and spices (such as cumin, coriander, and bay leaf). Simmer until the lentils are tender.
2. Lentil Chili (Day 2): Take a portion of the lentil soup and transform it into lentil chili. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. You can also add diced bell peppers and corn for extra flavor and texture. Simmer for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Lentil Soup with a Twist (Day 3): For the remaining lentil soup, you can add a twist to make it feel like a new meal. Consider blending a portion of the soup to make it creamy, adding a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, or topping it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. You could also add cooked sausage or ham for extra protein.

These transformations are simple and require minimal extra ingredients, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

Pro Tip:

When making lentil soup or chili, avoid adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes or lemon juice until the lentils are fully cooked. Acid can prevent lentils from softening properly.