lentils insoup

[saundra]

hi dif or some one
i started to make soup awhile ago
but have never used lentils
today i bought a pkt of them
how much do i use
i havent any scales so need average spoon size how long do they need to be cooked as well
thanks in advance

[Rodo]

I put two handfuls of lentils into the liquid when I boil a joint of gammon. If they are red split lentils they cook quite quickly and boil right down to nothing, just thickening the liquid. I put plenty of liquid in by the way.

I once used green lentils and they seemed to need a lot more cooking.

[Diflower]

I use lentils a lot
Red ones: I used about 3 small handfuls for this latest batch of soup and that will do 5-6 portions. If you want it more of a lentil & veg soup and less of a veg & lentil then probably 1 small handful per portion.

Rinse them in a sieve first, then I bung them in once the veg are all in sweating. If you don't fry the veg first just add them all at the same time. Red lentils take about 20 mins but it varies; they will cook down into a thickener, you won't see individual lentils really, but they add flavour and texture. More importantly they add protein so it makes the soup more of a meal, it will be more filling.

Green lentils: Rinse first, then put in a little saucepan with cold water to cover plus about an inch. Bring to the boil, turn down to simmer; they will take about 25 mins but it varies; they will still be individual lentils, take one out and try it, it should be softish but will still have texture. Add them and their water to the soup once the soup's boiling.
You can also use these to make minced meat stretch - add a handful to make one extra portion

[Diflower]

Forgot to say - if you're already cooking the soup and want to add lentils I'd boil them and cook first, as above, then add them

[saundra]

thanks for info
will make some tomorrow
they are red lentils
iv used them in the past but years ago

[Diflower]

Think I'll have to make yet more tomorrow Saundra, we've all three had it today there's only one portion left
And I need to get more frozen veg, the ones like casserole mix are really handy for adding to soup when all I've got left is an onion and a carrot