Beans, beans, wonderful beans. Don't you just love the versatility of beans? There are so many different kinds, different flavor profiles and textures, different ways of cooking them and one of the best parts, how affordable they are!
In this recipe we will be focusing on lentils which our family loves. Again, we love all beans, but this one in particular works great as an all-around meal with meat on the side, or as a meatless meal.
I have shared previously that this was a staple meatless meal for me. The flavors are so profound, you don't need meat to complete the meal. We add things like cucumbers and avocados on the side with some rice, and delish! It is out of this world simple, budget friendly and delicious!
We will be cooking this down with herbs and fresh and onions and garlic. All of those fresh flavors just add so much depth to this meal.
In this recipe video I used dried beans without soaking them over night. I do recommend soaking overnight and for the most part, now I will soak the beans overnight. Soaking it helps with digestion and lessens the cooking time as well. It is, however, optional to soak them.
Beans are a great source of protein, they are very inexpensive and can be used in a variety of ways. I hope you enjoy this recipe, and it can become a staple in your home as a delicious and budget friendly meal.
1. Rinse and drain lentils well.
Soak overnight (in a pot, cover beans with water and let sit on countertop overnight) optional.
2. Grate garlic, finely dice onions and tomatoes and add to pot with lentils.
3. Finely dice culantro or cilantro to saucepan.
4. Add in water or broth and mix all ingredients well.
You can add a sprig of thyme at this point which adds great flavor but is optional.
5. Bring to a boil. You can cover halfway and let boil.
6. Stir occasionally. Add more liquid if needed depending on how saucy you'd like your lentils.
7. Add in ketchup and let sauce simmer and reduce.
8. Serve over rice, or by itself with lots of vegetable sides.