How to prep lentil-based meals for the week?

Question

How do you prep lentil-based meals for the week? Get a complete guide to cooking and storing dals and legumes for quick and easy weekday meals.

Answer 1

To prep lentil-based meals for the week, cook a large batch of lentils, portion them out, and combine them with pre-chopped vegetables, grains, and sauces for quick assembly. Store each component separately to maintain freshness.

Detailed Explanation:

Preparing lentil-based meals for the week involves a few key steps to ensure efficiency and freshness. Here's a breakdown:

1. Cook a Large Batch of Lentils: Start by cooking a large batch of lentils. Different types of lentils cook at different rates, so choose one type (brown, green, red, etc.) and cook according to package instructions. Generally, this involves rinsing the lentils, adding them to a pot with water or broth, and simmering until tender. Avoid overcooking, as mushy lentils are less appealing.

2. Cool and Portion: Once cooked, allow the lentils to cool completely. Then, portion them into individual containers or larger containers for multiple meals. This makes it easy to grab the right amount for each meal.

3. Prepare Vegetables: Chop all the vegetables you plan to use in your lentil meals. This might include onions, carrots, celery, peppers, spinach, kale, or any other vegetables you enjoy. Store these in separate containers to maintain their crispness.

4. Cook Grains (Optional): If you plan to include grains like rice, quinoa, or barley in your meals, cook a batch of these as well. Portion them out similarly to the lentils.

5. Prepare Sauces and Dressings: Make any sauces or dressings you want to use. This could be a simple vinaigrette, a curry sauce, or a tahini dressing. Store these separately in airtight containers.

6. Assemble Meals: When you're ready to eat, simply combine the lentils, vegetables, grains (if using), and sauce in a bowl or container. You can heat the lentils and vegetables if desired, or enjoy them cold in a salad.

Pro Tip:

To prevent lentils from becoming bland, cook them in vegetable broth instead of water and add aromatics like bay leaves, garlic, and thyme during the cooking process. Remove the aromatics before storing.