Additionally, it’s a natural substitute for meat like ground beef (in things like shepherd’s pie and rice dishes). But while there are similarities, there are also some big differences in what you’re getting (nutritionally speaking) from lentils compared to meat.
They are great as taco filling, made into sloppy joes, mixed into marinara sauce, tossed into fried rice, you can use them in shepherds pie or even on nachos! There are so many recipes you probably cook all the time where you can substitute lentils for ground beef !
Are lentils a grain?
Technically, lentils are considered a grain legume known as a pulse, which means they are harvested for their seeds. Lentils are are small little lens shaped seeds, and come in many different colors. What is considered a whole grain? The bran, germ, and endosperm.
Are lentils vegetables or grains?
According to the USDA, lentils are part of the vegetable group, but they also fall under the protein group — which is why many people consume lentils as a supplement for meat in a vegetarian diet. Lentils are an excellent source of plant protein, and they are also rich in zinc, iron, potassium and folate.
Lentils are a type of legume, or a pulse, which is a specific type of dried legume. However, they have a remarkably high protein content. Each lentil seed contains about 28% of protein. Their high protein content makes them a favorite with vegans, vegetarians, and anyone embracing a plant-based diet.
Are all types of lentils the same?
Although most lentils can be used as a meat substitute, some varieties work better than others. Petite golden, green, ivory, brown and marrone lentils work well because they hold their shape when cooking, do not turn mushy and take a relatively short time to cook.
Brown and green lentils also hold their shape better when cooked, so they are closer in texture to crumbled cooked ground beef, and are more adaptable, where as red lentils can quickly become mushy. So go forth and enjoy Veganuary without sacrificing any of your favourite minced meat dishes!
What is the difference between a lentil and a millet?
A lentil is a specific type of pulse with a lens-shaped seed that grows 2 seeds per pod. Millet is a specific variety of small-seeded warm-weather annual grain (they represent two sub-families of Poaceae differentiated by the photosynthesis mechanisms in the plant).
A pulse is a type of legume which produces a grain seed in a pod where the dried seed is harvested. A lentil is a specific type of pulse with a lens-shaped seed that grows 2 seeds per pod. Millet is a specific variety of small-seeded warm-weather annual grain (they represent tw.