Lentils
Lentils are an herbaceous plant of the legume family. The height of the stem of the plant varies from 15 to 75 cm. During flowering, you can find lentils of white, pink or purple hue. The ripened fruits are short, flattened beans on both sides, containing 1-3 seeds each. The color of the seeds may vary depending on the variety: they are black, white, yellow, red or green.
Lentil soup used by all segments of the population: whether Babylonian nobility or the common people of Greece. She could replace the poor with meat and bread. The first began to grow lentils ancient Egyptians. In addition, lentils are repeatedly mentioned in the Old Testament. In Russia in the Middle Ages lentil dishes were the main diet. Lentil flour was used in the manufacture of bread. In the modern world, this culture has become exotic because other products have been able to replace it.
For many Asian people, lentils are one of the most important sources of protein, capable of replacing the nutritional properties of bread, cereals, meat. The technology of growing lentils is the same as peas. However, this plant is more thermophilic, suffers from frosts, while it is easier to tolerate drought.
Beneficial features
Red lentils are devoid of the shell, so she cooks very quickly - for 15 minutes, and it makes a gentle mash. Green lentils are considered unripe, have a mushroom flavor and are very good in soups, and brown beans have a pleasant nutty flavor and keep their shape well, so you can add them to salads.
The vegetable protein contained in lentils is very easily absorbed by the body, besides, lentils contain a little fat and are rich in slow carbohydrates, so it is good for satisfying hunger, allowing you to forget about food for a long time. It is worth noting that this legume culture contains a high concentration of vitamins B, A, PP, as well as Omega - 3 and Omega - 6 fatty acids.
Also, lentils are a source of tryptophan - an amino acid that promotes the production of the hormone serotonin, the lack of which leads to severe depressions. Do not forget that lentils - an environmentally friendly product: it does not accumulate nitrates, radionuclides and other harmful substances.
Cooking Application
The use of lentils in cooking is very diverse. Lentil dishes are not only healthy, but thanks to their excellent taste, they are excellent. One of the main differences between lentils from other legumes is that it cooks relatively quickly. Lentils, unlike chickpeas, peas, beans, do not necessarily soak in water, it can be cooked immediately.
Usually, red lentils are used to make mashed soups and sauces. Green or brown varieties do not boil soft, it is good to cook salads, stews with them. In addition, even sweet dishes can be made from green lentils, for example, very tasty chocolate truffles, which are made even without the use of butter and sugar. Also lentils can serve as a basis for cooking cheesecake. And red lentil puree perfectly replaces butter in the preparation of any baking, especially lentil puree behaves well in chocolate biscuits and muffins, it enhances the chocolate flavor of the dessert.
Medicinal properties
Since ancient times, lentils valued as a medicinal plant. The ancient Roman doctors used lentils to treat stomach diseases and nervous disorders, believing that its constant use in food makes a person calm and patient. In the old Russian herbalists, lentil infusion was recommended to drink for smallpox. Liquid decoction helps to cope with constipation, and thick acts as an astringent in gastrointestinal diseases
Broth lentils are also recommended to take with kidney disease, liver disease. For people with diabetes, doctors often recommend the inclusion of lentil cereals, soups and salads in the diet. For ulcers, colitis and other diseases of the digestive system, it is helpful to eat lentil puree.
Due to the content of soluble fiber in lentils, the digestive process is improved, the risk of oncologic rectal cancer is reduced. Eating porridge from lentils helps to increase immunity, improve the functioning of the urinary organs and improve metabolism. In addition, the use of this cereal culture favorably affects the condition of the skin - it becomes healthy and smooth.
Lentils germinate well. Sprouted lentils on medicinal properties close to sprouted wheat. Gray or green lentils in the peel - the most suitable for germination.
