Love your lentils - Why you should be popping this budget-friendly pulse into your shopping trolley

(Image: iStock)

Lentils – for so long the iconic food of vegans and vegetarians the world over, are going to be your new supermarket favourite. Why?

1. They’re incredibly budget-friendly
2. They are so easy and quick to cook
3. They lend themselves to being used in so many different ways

While they’re touted for being high in both soluble and insoluble fibre, Science Briefss reports that they reduce blood sugar levels and MindBodyGreen states that they contain the third-highest levels of protein! Where do we sign up?

Cooking lentils is as easy as it’s ever going to get. Simply rinse them in some cold water before popping them in a pot on the stove top, covered with more cold water. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer until the lentils are soft and cooked through. TIP: Don’t season your lentils with salt before they have finished cooking as the salt with make them tough.

Yellow, red, and orange lentils are a lot softer and usually turn quite mushy when cooked so they’re better in soups and stews rather than being served on their own. Rather opt for the brown lentils if you want them to keep their shape.

These are 7 of our favourite lentil recipes and they’re about to be your fav too!

A good curry during Winter goes down a treat, and this red lentil curry is a great vegetarian option.

Forget beef burgers, these lentil burgers are a healthier choice, filled with fibre and many other scrumptious ingredients.

Serve this delicious tomato lentil soup with spicy meatballs with some fresh crusty bread and you’re set for dinner!

a warm bowl of tomato and lentil soup with spicy m

A different take on lentils is this roast aubergines with miso and pomelo. The lentils are scattered around the aubergines giving it a robust flavour.