Ingredients used: Green Lentils 1000 g
Green lentils are a staple of Anatolian cuisine and stand out for their nutty, slightly earthy aroma as well as their high nutritional value. In this classic version prepared with olive oil, they retain their shape while developing a pleasant depth of flavor. This dish is suitable both as a полноценny main course and as a hearty side dish.
Ingredients
1.5 cups of Dere green lentils
1 large onion
1 carrot
1 mittelgroße Kartoffel
2 garlic cloves
3 Esslöffel Olivenöl
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
1 Teelöffel mildes Paprikapulver
1 Teelöffel Kreuzkümmel
1 Lorbeerblatt (optional)
4 Tassen heißes Wasser
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
Wash the lentils thoroughly until the water runs clear. Then cover them with fresh water and pre-cook them gently for about 10–12 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and improves digestibility. Afterwards, drain them and set them aside.
Dice the onion finely, and cut the carrot and potato into small, even cubes. Finely chop the garlic.
Heat the olive oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Sauté the onions until they become translucent and begin to take on a little color. Add the garlic and cook briefly until its aroma is released.
Stir in the tomato paste and sauté it while stirring so that the aromas can fully develop. Add the paprika powder. Then add the diced carrot and potato and sauté them for a few minutes.
Add the pre-cooked lentils to the pot and mix everything well. Add the hot water and the bay leaf. Season with salt, pepper, and cumin.
Let the dish simmer gently over low heat for about 25–30 minutes. The lentils should be tender, yet still hold their shape. A slightly creamy consistency, but not mushy, is ideal.
After cooking, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This phase allows the flavors to come together fully.
Serve the dish lukewarm or at room temperature. The flavor can be rounded out with a little finely chopped parsley or a few drops of lemon juice. Combined with rice or bulgur, it becomes a balanced and traditional meal.
