Balti Spiced Black Lentils (Beluga) and Mushrooms
Ingredients
Onion and Jalapeño Pepper:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- ½ jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
Garlic and Mushrooms:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 crimini or button mushrooms, chopped
Black Lentils (Beluga Lentils):
- 1 cup dried black lentils (beluga lentils) picked over and rinsed, (see comment section below)
Spices:
- ¾ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ⅛ teaspoon ground fenugreek seeds (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Tomato and Ginger:
- 12 cherry tomatoes, quartered (or substitute half a can of diced stewed tomatoes with juices)
- ½ teaspoon fresh grated ginger
Mushrooom Broth:
Salt:
- Salt to taste, start with ¼ teaspoon and add more if needed
Butter:
Ingredients
(serves 4)
Section
Instructions
-
Heat a large saucepan on medium-low heat; add 1 tablespoon oil.
- Add chopped onion and chopped jalapeño pepper, cooking until soft and golden; about 10 minutes.
- Add garlic and chopped mushrooms to the pot. Cook until mushrooms are soft; 2 to 3 minutes.
- Rinse the beluga lentils in a fine mesh sieve, taking care to remove any pebbles or other debris.
- Add the rinsed lentils to the saucepan.
- Add cherry tomatoes, ginger and spices to the saucepan.
- Stir in the mushroom broth.
- Bring to a simmer, cover and simmer on low heat for 30 to 40 minutes; or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Remove from heat.
- Add salt to taste.
- Add butter and stir to incorporate.
- Serve.
Comments
Serves 4 to 6.What are beluga lentils? These small, black lentils are commonly found in foods made in Asia and the Mediterranean. The name beluga lentil comes from their resemblance to Beluga caviar.
Why cook with beluga lentils? These small lentils are packed with protein and hold their shape when cooked. They are firmer in texture than traditional red, brown and green lentils.
Where can beluga lentils be purchased? Dried beluga lentils are often found in the dried bean section or in the bulk food section of specialty grocery stores.