Forget everything you thought you knew about lentils. This recipe for Crispy Stir-fried Green Lentils with Garlic elevates this humble legume to a whole new level of flavor and texture. Imagine perfectly crisp-tender lentils, bursting with garlicky goodness, a dish that’s both surprisingly simple and incredibly satisfying. It's a vegetarian powerhouse, packed with protein and fiber, and ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful side dish. The vibrant green color is as appealing as the taste.
This recipe is far from your typical lentil dish; it’s a delightful exploration of textures and tastes. We'll achieve perfectly crispy lentils through a clever cooking technique, ensuring each bite offers a satisfying crunch. The intense garlic flavor adds a savory depth that complements the earthy lentils beautifully. Ready to learn how to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Pan
- Basket
Ingredients
- Green Lentils: 500g
- Garlic
- Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon
- MSG: 1/3 teaspoon
- Ground Pepper: 1/3 teaspoon
- Oyster Oil: 1 teaspoon
- Fish Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Water: 1 tablespoon
- Coffee: 1 teaspoon (dissolved)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Blanch Lentils
- Remove the tough parts of the stems using a knife. Choose fresh, green bunches without wilted leaves. Pick the leaves without getting your hands black.
- Wash the lentils thoroughly two or three times. Soak in salted water for 5 minutes to clean better and remove any impurities.
- Boil water, add dissolved coffee to keep the lentils green. Add the lentils to the boiling water and stir well, ensuring they are submerged.
- Once blanched, immediately remove the lentils and plunge them into ice water to maintain their color and crispness. Let them soak for about 2 minutes.
- Drain the lentils thoroughly in a basket.
Step 2. Prepare Aromatics and Sauce
- Chop the garlic coarsely.
- Mix sugar, MSG, ground pepper, oyster oil, fish sauce, and water.
Step 3. Stir-fry Lentils
- Heat cooking oil in a pan. Add garlic and fry until fragrant and lightly golden. Add lentils and stir-fry until evenly coated with oil (a short time as they’ve already been blanched).
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Add the stir-fry sauce and stir well for 30-40 seconds.
- Turn off the heat once the dish is cooked. Serve immediately.
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- Don't chop the garlic too finely for better flavor.
- Mixing the stir-fry sauce beforehand prevents the lentils from becoming too soft and helps them absorb the spices better.
- Use boiling water to blanch the lentils to preserve their green color; otherwise, they might turn black.
- Don't overcook the garlic when stir-frying; lightly golden is best to avoid toughness.
- Don't stir-fry the lentils for too long after adding them to the pan, to avoid them becoming tough or burnt.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of lentils?
While green lentils work best for their texture in this recipe, you can experiment with brown or red lentils. Keep in mind they might not get as crispy.
2. What if I don't have enough garlic?
Feel free to adjust the garlic amount to your preference. Less garlic will result in a milder flavor, while more will intensify the garlicky taste.
This simple yet flavorful recipe for Crispy Stir-fried Green Lentils with Garlic is a testament to how delicious and versatile lentils can be. Enjoy this healthy and satisfying dish as a standalone meal or a delightful side to your favorite protein. Happy cooking!