Canning Lentils - Special Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to pressure can lentils? ›

Canning Beans, Peas and Lentils

Food acidity determines which canning method is needed. A pressure canner is needed for canning vegetables. Pressure canners attain a temperature of 240 - 250º F in order to destroy harmful effects of bacteria.

Note: Lentils may be canned without any additional ingredients. Soak as above using 3 1/4 lbs lentils; pack loosely into jars and cover with water, adding 1/2 tsp. salt to each jar (optional). Process in a pressure canner for 75 minutes.

Canned lentils are already cooked. Just rinse well and they are ready to use. For dried lentils, lay flat on a cookie sheet and pick out any stones. Then rinse and simmer in low-sodium broth or water for 20-30 minutes, until tender.

Canned lentils are a convenient and versatile ingredient that will pump up the gut-friendly fibre and satisfying protein of any meal. And, lentils contribute to your five-plus-a-day. They can be used to bulk out meat dishes or as a healthy plant-based protein in vegetarian or vegan dishes.

Lentils – Just 100 grams of split red lentils has more potassium than a banana. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) study reported that a diet rich in pulses (including lentils) and whole grains was associated with lowering blood pressure. Try making this easy Lentil Lemon soup.

For a long time, the only thing I thought lentils were good for will a leftover ham bone soup, and while I really enjoy that recipe it only scratches the surface of what is possible with these amazing lens-shaped legumes. What do Lentils taste like? The simple answer is mild and earthy with a slightly nutty taste.

A common concern with canned lentils is the high sodium content used to preserve the lentils. The best way to deal with the issue of sodium is to be sure that you rinse your canned lentils under running water – this will remove up to 60 per cent of the sodium content.

A 540 mL can of lentils drained is approximately equivalent to 2 cups of cooked lentils.

Do you rinse canned lentils? It is not necessary to rinse canned lentils before cooking, but you can rinse them by emptying them into a strainer and under cold water. This can help to remove some of the sodium content from the liquid around the beans.

The slimy liquid on beans is safe to eat. It is the cooking liquid from the canning plant, where the beans were cooked.

Are split lentils the same as lentils? ›

They may be sold as whole lentils or split with the husks removed. Whole lentils with husks intact take longer to cook and will retain their shape; split lentils without husks cook very quickly and break down into a puree. These differences in texture will determine in which recipes they may be used.

BEANS & LENTILS

The great thing about beans and legumes is they won't lose their protein and mineral value over time. However, after two years, they may lose some of their vitamin properties. Beans stored in a pantry and airtight containers such as mason jars will stay fresh for up to 3 years.

Favorite Lentil Recipes

I toss them with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes to make a nutritious side dish or base for plant-based bowls. They keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, so they're one of my favorite proteins to meal prep and keep on hand in the fridge.

If stored at less than 15 percent moisture and under 60 degrees Fahrenheit, lentils have a shelf life of up to three years; however, long storage may cause discoloration, hardness or moisture absorption.

All vegetables, except tomatoes, should be canned in a pressure canner at 10 pounds pressure (240°F). You may can tomatoes in either a water bath canner or a pressure canner, but you should always hot pack them. Have your gauge checked for accuracy at your county Extension office.

Fats / Dairy

Also any recipe that use one or more of these ingredients, such as mayonnaise, caramel, pudding, cream soups, cream vegetables, refried beans, nut butter (all kinds), pesto, chocolate (all kinds) etc.

Lentils should also be consumed in moderation since they can get difficult to digest. For those with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract, digesting such fibre-laden produce becomes difficult. They can gorge on stir-fried or steamed veggies as cooking them breaks down their fibre and makes them easier on the stomach.