lentils | Camellia Brand

Stovetop Spicy Lentils

Aimee Bussells — Wed, 20 May 2026 19:50:32 +0000

Ingredients:

1 (1-pound) package of Camellia Brand® Lentils
1 package of Camellia Brand® Spicy Lentils Flavor Infusion
8 cups water

Directions:

In a heavy pot, combine 1 lb. Camellia Brand® Lentils, 8 cups water, and Camellia Brand® Spicy Lentils Flavor Infusion seasoning.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally for about 35 minutes or until the lentils are tender.

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Easy Make-Ahead Lentils

Julie Koppman — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 20:50:52 +0000

Ingredients:

1 (1-lb. pound) package Camellia Brand Lentils
6 cups water or broth
Salt to taste

Directions:

Rinse and sort lentils. (Lentils cook quickly, so there’s no need to soak.)
Bring 6 cups of water or broth to a boil in a large, heavy pot. Add rinsed lentils and stir.
Reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until tender but not broken. Salt to taste.

You will end up with deeply flavorful lentils that freeze beautifully and can be used in all sorts of recipes. By not seasoning the lentils, other than the salt to bring out their natural flavor, they adapt easily to added seasonings in other preparations. The lentils can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

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Kid-Friendly Vegan Meatballs & Pasta

user-submission — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 16:08:01 +0000

Ingredients:

1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, diced
4 cloves fresh garlic, diced
1 cup half yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cooked Camellia Brand Lentils, cooled
1 cup cooked Camellia Brand Black Beans
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, plus whole basil leaves for garnish
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoons salt, (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoons ground black pepper, (or to taste)
1 24-ounce jar Dagostino Smooth Tomato Sauce
1 pound Dagostino Crawfish Shaped Pasta, cooked according to package instructions

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray cooking oil on the parchment paper and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic and sauté until onions are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Add onion and garlic to a large mixing bowl.
Stir in cooked lentils, cooked black beans, basil, Italian seasoning, walnuts, tomato paste, salt, and pepper until combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Transfer mixture to the cup of a food processor and pulse until a tacky dough forms.
Use a tablespoon to scoop heaping amounts of the mixture and roll into balls; set meatballs on a lined baking sheet.
Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Heat 1 jar of tomato sauce in a large pot over low heat.
Coat cooked meatballs in sauce, then remove from heat.
Serve meatballs and sauce with cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Krysten is a Maryland-based recipe developer and photographer. She is also one-half of the popular food blog, Cooks with Soul, where she and her husband, Marrekus, publish recipes and digital content. When she’s not busy with her food blog and photography business, she works part-time as a behavior analyst with kids who have autism and related disorders. Krysten is a mom of three and a self-proclaimed cheer mom, football mom, and special needs parent.

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Zippy Lentil Salad

user-submission — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 00:16:29 +0000

Ingredients:

2 (32-ounce) containers vegetable stock
2½ tablespoons kosher salt, divided
1 (1-pound) Camellia Brand Lentils, rinsed and sorted
2 cups chopped fresh collard greens
1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 orange bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 cup Castelvetrano olives, chopped
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
¾ cup cucumber, seeded and diced
1 (4-ounce) jar pimientos, drained
1 teaspoon lemon zest
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ cup Champagne vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons sliced fresh chives
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

In a medium stockpot, bring stock and 1½ tablespoons salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Add lentils and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Drain lentils and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in collards and let cool completely.
To bowl with cooled lentil mixture, add bell peppers, olives, red onion, cucumber, pimientos, lemon zest and juice, vinegar, oil, parsley, chives, remaining 1 tablespoon salt, and red pepper, tossing until well combined.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

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Slow Cooker Lentil & Black Bean Taco Soup

Aimee Bussells — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 15:39:36 +0000

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 orange or red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
1 (4-oz.) can diced green chiles
1 cup Camellia Brand Lentils, rinsed and sorted
1 (28oz.) can crushed tomatoes
6 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2/3 cup Camellia Brand Black Beans, rinsed and sorted
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup frozen corn
Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, chopped green onion, sharp Cheddar cheese, plain Greek yogurt

Directions:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic, bell pepper, and onion for 5 minutes, or until onions become translucent. Transfer mixture to slow cooker.
To slow cooker, add diced green chiles, lentils, crushed tomatoes, broth, black beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika and onion powder. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook 8 hours on low.
Ten minutes before serving, stir in frozen corn and adjust seasonings to taste.
Serve with optional toppings.

The post Slow Cooker Lentil & Black Bean Taco Soup first appeared on Camellia Brand.

Adai Dosa

user-submission — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 22:10:23 +0000

Ingredients:

1/4 cup Camellia Yellow Split Peas
1/4 cup urad dhal,skinless
1/2 cup lentils
1 cup basmati rice
1-5 dried red chilies
2 tsp cumin seed
1/2 tsp dried ginger

For the seasoning:

3-4 tsp canola oil
1/4 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp Camellia Yellow Split Peas
1 tsp urad dhal, skinless
1 tsp bunch cilantro, chopped
1 onion, chopped
Finely chopped greens and/or stems, grated carrots or beets, scallions, etc.

Directions:

Rinse the beans and rice well. Soak in a large container for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse again then add to a blender. (This recipe will make 6-8 cups. If you have a small blender, work in batches.) Add cumin seed, chilis, ginger and salt. Add water to just below the level of the soaked rice and beans. Blend on low to incorporate, then increase speed to make a coarse batter. Add water if the batter becomes too thick. At this point, you can use the batter or season it further.

Seasoning: Heat a skillet on medium and add a few teaspoons of canola oil. When the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. When they begin to crack, add the yellow split peas, cumin and urad dhal. Cook until they turn golden brown then add the onions and a pinch of salt. Cook until the onions are translucent and just begin to turn brown. Remove from the heat and cool. When room temperature, add to the bean/rice batter. If your batter has absorbed additional water, just add a little at a time to loosen it up.

Cooking the dosa: Cast iron skillets are great for cooking dosa pancakes. Heat on medium-high for a few minutes then add a few teaspoons of oil to coat the pan. Place spoonfuls of batter in the hot oil, shaping the batter into a round. It won’t do this on it’s own like pancake batter. I find the dosa cook easily when they are small, about 4 inches in diameter. Continue to cook dosa on one size until the edges begin to look dry and the outside of the dosa take on color. Flip and cook the other side. Season with good sea salt and serve warm.

Christine Ciancetta is part of the Olympia, Washington, Slow Food chapter and is a wonderfully creative participant in Terra Madre 2018’s celebration!

The post Adai Dosa first appeared on Camellia Brand.

Easy Vegan Coconut Curry Lentils

Aimee Bussells — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 21:53:29 +0000

Ingredients:

1 (1 pound) bag Camellia Brand Lentils
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can unsweetened coconut milk
1 can diced tomatoes
1 small bunch of green onions, chopped
8 ounces baby portabella or button mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch baby kale, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely minced or grated
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons coconut oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish: chopped cilantro

Directions:

In a large heavy pot, melt the coconut oil over medium heat. Add green onions, garlic, ginger, curry powder, and red pepper flakes; cook for about 5 minutes or until onions have softened and aromatics have released their flavors.
Add the vegetable broth, cover, and bring to a boil.
Add lentils, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and mushrooms; stir to combine.
Turn down to medium heat, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
Turn down to low heat, uncover, add coconut milk, then gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Just before serving, stir in chopped baby kale.
Garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve over rice or with naan or pita bread.

The post Easy Vegan Coconut Curry Lentils first appeared on Camellia Brand.

LH’s Savory Lentils

Aimee Bussells — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:13:21 +0000

Ingredients:

1 (1-pound) package Camellia Brand Lentils
1 quart cold water
2 teaspoons salt
1 large onion, chopped finely
1/2 cup olive oil or bacon fat
A few drops of your favorite hot sauce

Directions:

Rinse and sort lentils.
Cover lentils with water, and simmer in covered pan for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until tender but not broken.
Drain lentils and return 1 cup of the cooking liquid to them, or if necessary, add enough water to the liquid to make 1 cup.
Cook onion for a few minutes in olive oil or bacon fat.
Add onions to the lentils, cook for about 15 minutes, and stir gently so lentils are not broken.
Add a few drops of hot sauce and/or salt if needed.

The post LH’s Savory Lentils first appeared on Camellia Brand.

Curried Lentil Soup

Aimee Bussells — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 15:50:09 +0000

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped red potato
1 cup chopped carrots
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 cup dry Camellia Brand Lentils
4 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
1 cup cooked Camellia Brand Garbanzo Beans
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 lemon, cut into wedges

Directions:

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onion, potato and carrot; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook approximately 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add half of chopped garlic; stir until vegetables are soft but not brown; about 4 minutes longer.
Add 2 tablespoons curry powder; stir about 1 minute.
Add lentils and 4 cups water. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Increase heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until lentils are tender (about 30 minutes).
Puree garbanzo beans, lemon juice, ¼ cup water, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and rest of garlic in blender or food processor.
Add garbanzo bean puree and butter to soup. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and curry powder.
Add water if needed for thinner consistency.
Sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions and serve with lemon wedges.

The post Curried Lentil Soup first appeared on Camellia Brand.

Curried Lentil Salad

Aimee Bussells — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 15:40:32 +0000

Ingredients:

Dressing

3/4 cup corn oil (or grapeseed oil or other light oil)
1/2 cup wine vinegar (or white balsamic)
2 tablespoons curry powder
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Salad

1 (1-pound) package Camellia Brand Lentils
1 1/2 cups dried currants
1/3 cup capers
1 cup finely chopped red onion

Directions:

In a large bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients and set aside.
Rinse and sort lentils.
Add lentils to a saucepan and cover with water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook for 20-30 minutes, just until tender. Add water as needed to make sure the lentils are just barely covered.
Rinse and drain well, combine with the dressing, and refrigerate overnight.
At least 2 hours before serving, add the currants, capers and onions to the lentils and mix well. Refrigerate two more hours and serve.

The post Curried Lentil Salad first appeared on Camellia Brand.

Lentil Loaf

Aimee Bussells — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 15:37:45 +0000

Ingredients:

2 cups Camellia Brand Lentils, rinsed and dried
1 bay leaf
8 cups water
1 cup uncooked fine bulgur wheat
1 cup soft whole-wheat bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
½ teaspoon dried basil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons tomato paste or tomato sauce

Directions:

Rinse and sort lentils.
Cook lentils and bay leaf in pot with 6 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer until lentils are soft and water has been absorbed, about 45 minutes.
Combine bulgur and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer lentils to a large mixing bowl. Add bulgur and remaining ingredients except tomato paste or sauce. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
Pat mixture into a 9-inch loaf pan. Bake for 40 minutes until firm but not dry.
During last minutes of baking, brush top with tomato paste or sauce. Let cool for 15 minutes.
Cut into slices and serve warm.

The post Lentil Loaf first appeared on Camellia Brand.

Veggie Lentils

Aimee Bussells — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 15:35:19 +0000

Ingredients:

1 cup dry Camellia Brand Lentils, sorted and rinsed
3 cups vegetable broth
½ cup chopped green onion
½ cup diced green bell pepper
½ cup diced red bell pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
4 cloves minced garlic
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 (8-ounce can) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon molasses

Directions:

Rinse and sort beans.
Bring the lentils and broth to a boil, then cover & simmer for 25-30 minutes until soft but not mushy.
While the lentils cook, sauté the green onion, peppers, garlic, chili powder and cumin in vinegar till the vegetables are limp (about 2 minutes).
Add tomato sauce and molasses, cook for 1 minute (scrape the stuck pieces off the pan), taste, and add more vinegar if needed.
Add mixture to lentils and cook until heated through.
Serve over rice, or as a burrito or taco filling.

The post Veggie Lentils first appeared on Camellia Brand.

Slow Cooker Curried Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew

Aimee Bussells — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 20:59:53 +0000

Ingredients:

3 cups peeled, 1-inch cubed sweet potatoes
¼ cup chopped red onion
1 ½ cups baby carrots
¾ cup dry Camellia Brand Lentils, sorted and rinsed
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger root
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ¾ cups chicken broth
1 ½ cups frozen cut green beans, thawed
½ cup plain fat-free yogurt

Directions:

Rinse and sort beans.
In a 4-quart slow cooker, combine sweet potatoes, onion, carrots, and lentils.
In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add curry powder, cumin, salt, pepper, ginger root and garlic; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in broth.
Pour mixture into slow cooker; stir. Cover; cook on low 6 hours.
Increase heat setting to high. Stir in green beans. Cover; cook about 15 minutes longer or until green beans are heated through, but still crisp.
Serve topped with yogurt.

The post Slow Cooker Curried Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew first appeared on Camellia Brand.