Lentil-Walnut Spread

Lentil-Walnut Spread Recipe with Flaxseed, Garlic, and Arugula

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Lentil-Walnut Spread is a delicious and nutritious spread that can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. Made with lentils, walnuts, garlic, and a blend of spices, this spread is packed with flavor and protein.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Middle Eastern spreads like hummus and baba ganoush. Lentils have been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries, known for their versatility and health benefits. By combining lentils with walnuts, this recipe adds a unique texture and flavor profile to the classic spread.

Ingredients

0.75 cup lentils, rinsed
0.25 cup walnut halves
1 tbsp flaxseed oil or olive oil
1 small clove garlic, peeled
0.5 tsp salt
1 cup finely minced arugula, spinach or watercress leaves
3 tbsp vegetable broth
0.25 tsp ground cumin
0.13 tsp ground coriander

How to prepare

In a small saucepan, combine lentils and 1.5 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until lentils are tender and water is absorbed, approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a small bowl.
In a small food processor or blender, process walnuts and oil until a smooth paste forms. Scrape the mixture into the bowl with the lentils using a rubber spatula. Mash the mixture into a paste using a fork.
On a cutting board, cut the garlic in half and sprinkle with 0.25 tsp of salt. Use the flat side of a knife to mash them together. Add the garlic-salt mixture to the lentil-walnut mixture, along with arugula, broth, cumin, coriander, and the remaining 0.25 tsp of salt. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Variations

Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Use different herbs and spices, such as parsley, mint, or smoked paprika, to customize the spread to your taste.
Mix in some Greek yogurt or tahini for a creamier texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the lentils before cooking to remove any debris or impurities.

- To save time, you can use canned lentils instead of cooking them from scratch.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt or spices as needed.

- For a smoother texture, you can blend the spread in a food processor until creamy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Lentil-Walnut Spread on toasted bread or crackers, or use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. It also pairs well with fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers.

Cooking Techniques

Cooking the lentils until tender is key to achieving the right consistency for the spread.

- Toasting the walnuts before blending them will enhance their flavor.

- Mashing the garlic with salt helps to release its natural oils and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of lentils for this recipe, such as green, brown, or red lentils.

- If you don't have walnuts, you can substitute with almonds or cashews.

- Olive oil can be replaced with any other neutral oil, such as avocado or grapeseed oil.

Make Ahead Tips

Lentil-Walnut Spread can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the spread with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, or a few fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Serve it in a decorative bowl with a variety of dippers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This spread pairs well with a variety of dishes, such as grilled vegetables, falafel, or pita bread. It also complements Mediterranean flavors like olives, feta cheese, and roasted red peppers.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Lentil-Walnut Spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lentil-Walnut Spread contains approximately 150 calories. This makes it a satisfying and nutritious snack option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lentil-Walnut Spread contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. Lentils are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy and are rich in fiber.

Fats

This spread is a good source of healthy fats, with approximately 8 grams of fat per serving. Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.

Proteins

Lentils are a great plant-based source of protein, with each serving of this spread containing approximately 7 grams of protein. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

This spread is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin C. Lentils are a good source of iron, which is important for oxygen transport in the body.

Alergens

This recipe contains tree nuts (walnuts) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies. Be sure to check for any other allergens in the ingredients used.

Summary

Overall, Lentil-Walnut Spread is a nutritious and delicious spread that is high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. It makes a great addition to sandwiches, wraps, or as a dip for vegetables.

Summary

Lentil-Walnut Spread is a flavorful and nutritious spread that is easy to make and versatile to enjoy. With a balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, this spread is a great addition to any meal or snack. Try making this recipe for a healthy and delicious treat!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria, who had just returned from a trip to the Mediterranean. She had brought back with her a cookbook filled with delicious and exotic recipes from the region, and as we flipped through its pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Lentil-Walnut Spread.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the combination of lentils and walnuts intrigued me. Maria explained that it was a popular appetizer in the Middle East, where lentils and nuts are commonly used in cooking. She offered to make it for us that day, and as I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Maria shared with me the story of how she had learned the recipe from a local woman she had met while traveling. The woman had invited her into her home and taught her the secrets of making the perfect Lentil-Walnut Spread. Maria had been so impressed by the dish that she had made it a point to bring the recipe back home with her.

As I savored the creamy spread on a piece of warm pita bread, I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own kitchen. I asked Maria for a copy of the recipe, and she happily obliged. I thanked her profusely and promised to make it for my family as soon as I returned home.

The next day, I set to work in my own kitchen, gathering all the necessary ingredients for the Lentil-Walnut Spread. I soaked the lentils overnight and cooked them until they were soft and tender. I toasted the walnuts and ground them into a fine paste, adding them to the lentils along with a generous amount of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.

As I mixed the ingredients together, the aroma of the toasted walnuts filled the kitchen, and I knew that I was onto something special. I tasted the spread and was immediately transported back to that warm summer day with Maria, sitting in her kitchen and enjoying a taste of the Mediterranean.

I packaged up the Lentil-Walnut Spread in a small container and took it with me to a family gathering that evening. I served it alongside some fresh vegetables and crusty bread, and watched as my relatives eagerly dipped into the creamy spread. They were amazed by the unique combination of flavors and textures, and begged me for the recipe.

I happily shared the recipe with them, just as Maria had shared it with me. I knew that this dish would become a staple in our family gatherings, a reminder of that fateful day when I first discovered the joys of Lentil-Walnut Spread.

Over the years, I have continued to make the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I have added a pinch of cumin for extra flavor, and sometimes sprinkle it with fresh herbs for a pop of color. Each time I make it, I am reminded of Maria and the kindness she showed me in sharing this wonderful recipe.

As I sit here now, writing this story, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The first time I saw the recipe for Lentil-Walnut Spread, I was captivated by its simplicity. But it was the taste of the dish that truly captured my heart, and it is a taste that I will cherish for years to come.