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Original poster

Dried green lentils instead of canned?

14 replies

Liskey · 09/02/2013 15:21

Trying this recipe out tonight:
www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1065/sausages-with-creamy-lentils

However I've only got dried green lentils in the cupboard (I've never green lentils dried or otherwise before) - I have to cook for 30 mins before using but not sure how many dried lentils to use instead of a can? They don't need soaking just cooking. Any ideas about substituting?

Cheers

OP posts:
ppeatfruit · 09/02/2013 15:27

Soak them in hot water (I'd use the whole packet) then measure out however many you need for the recipe and make something else with the others later in the week.

Original poster
Liskey · 09/02/2013 15:32

I've got the rest of the week meal planned out unfortuntely - how long would the soaked lentils last?

OP posts:
exexpat · 09/02/2013 15:38

Dried lentils weigh roughly half as much as cooked ones, so for example if the recipe calls for 200g of tinned/cooked lentils, you should start with 100g of dried ones.

I wouldn't want to leave them hanging around in the fridge for more than a day or two, but you can freeze cooked lentils very successfully.

ppeatfruit · 09/02/2013 15:39

Just soak half the packet then Grin!Its dead easy BTW after softening\soaking them cook until soft and then add to the pot!

Original poster
Liskey · 09/02/2013 15:45

Lol cheers for that! Complete novice with lentils strangely as I like cooking and cook loads of other things. I've been wanting to try cooking with lentils since my friend gave me a meal with them.

OP posts:
ppeatfruit · 09/02/2013 15:49

Grin good luck it'll be fine!

Original poster
Liskey · 09/02/2013 16:48

Now wondering if you can reheat the cooked lentil mixture for DD's lunch tomorrow? She'll defintely like the sausages but can you blast the lentils in the microwave ok?

OP posts:
ppeatfruit · 09/02/2013 17:14

Yes I think so liskey I usually reheat on the cooker but i'm sure it'll be fine they're just tiny beans and I've reheated beans in the MW with no trouble.

Original poster
Liskey · 09/02/2013 17:20

Sounds good - thanks for that.

DD already excited about sausages for lunch. DH looking forward to this and has chosen a bottle of red wine already!

OP posts:
determinedma · 09/02/2013 19:10

I dont soak green lentils. Just chuck them in

ppeatfruit · 10/02/2013 10:15

If they're very old soaking makes the cooking quicker determinedma

Original poster
Liskey · 10/02/2013 20:09

Well green lentils now have the seal of approval from DH (though DD refused to try them and just ate sausage for lunch). I can see us cooking them a lot more in future!

OP posts:
Crunchymunchyhoneycakes · 10/02/2013 20:25

I've never soaked green lentils, I wasn't aware you're supposed to. We have them loads.

ppeatfruit · 11/02/2013 10:22

There's no "supposed to soak" it just cuts cooking time esp. if they 're old .The orange ones don't need it though.

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