Lentils contain the highest amount of protein originating from any plant. They are a good source of dietary fiber and also have a low amount of calories. Other nutritious components found are molybdenum, folate, tryptophan, manganese, iron, phosphorous, copper, vitamin B1, and potassium. The health benefits of lentils include improved digestion, a healthy heart, diabetes control, weight loss, prevention of anemia, and better electrolytic activity due to potassium.

Lentils make hearty soups and stews, are a great taco filler, and add protein to any salad. 

Organic Green Lentils are on sale during the month of June for $2.49 per pound. You save $0.50 per pound!

Try this fresh summer lentil salad recipe:

Lemony Lentil and Chickpea Salad with Radish and Herbs

Ingredients: 

Lentils (cook your own, using the ingredients below, or use one 17-ounce package of steamed French lentils instead)

• 2 cups dried black beluga lentils or French green lentils
• 2 large garlic cloves, halved lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Lemon dressing

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 medium lemons’ worth)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
• ¼ teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Salad

• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained, or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas
• 1 big bunch of radishes, sliced thin and roughly chopped
• ¼ cup chopped fresh, leafy herbs, chopped (combination of mint and dill recommended)
• Optional garnishes: sliced avocado, crumbled feta or goat cheese, handful of fresh leafy greens

Directions: 

1. To cook the lentils: Pick over the lentils to remove any bits of debris. Rinse the lentils under running water in a mesh colander. In a medium pot, combine the lentils, halved garlic cloves, olive oil and 4 cups water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook until the lentils are cooked through and tender, which will take somewhere between 20 to 35 minutes. Drain the lentils and discard the garlic cloves.
2. To make the dressing: Whisk together the ingredients in a small bowl. If you’re using pre-steamed lentils instead of cooking your own, add an extra clove of minced garlic and an extra tablespoon of olive oil.
3. In a large serving bowl, combine the lentils, chickpeas, chopped radishes and herbs. Drizzle in the dressing and toss to combine. Serve with avocado, crumbled cheese or fresh greens if you’d like.

Recipe Credit: Cookie and Kate