Lentil-Ginger Spread

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by finely chopping 1 large onion and thumb-sized ginger. Wash 200 grams of lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt.

2. Cook the Lentil-Ginger Spread

In a large saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion to the hot oil and sauté until translucent, which will take about 5-7 minutes.

Then stir in the chopped ginger and continue cooking for a few minutes until the ginger becomes fragrant.

Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the saucepan and stir it with the onion and ginger. Let it cook for another minute to release its flavours.

Add the lentils to the pan and stir well to combine them with the onion, ginger, and tomato paste mixture. To deglaze the saucepan, pour in 450 millilitres of vegetable stock. Stir to ensure the lentils are well coated.

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch at a time and adjust later as needed.

Add half a teaspoon of ground cumin and 3 bay leaves to the mixture.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer the lentil mixture for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally, and add more vegetable stock if needed to prevent sticking or if you prefer a thinner consistency.

3. Blend the Lentil-Ginger Spread

Once the lentils are soft and the flavours have melded together, remove the bay leaves from the mixture.

For a smooth consistency, purée the lentil-ginger spread using an immersion blender until the desired consistency is achieved.

Taste and season with more salt and pepper if necessary. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.

4. Serve

The Lentil-Ginger Spread is now ready to enjoy! You can serve it as a spread on bread or crackers, as a dip, or as a side dish.

Tips for Perfect Lentil-Ginger Spread

Choose the Right Lentils: Red or yellow lentils are perfect for this spread, as they cook quickly and have a creamy consistency when puréed.

Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker spread, use less vegetable stock. For a thinner consistency, add more stock or water as needed.

Intensify the Flavour: Feel free to add other spices and herbs like caraway, coriander, or parsley to intensify the flavour profile.

Storage Suggestion

If stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this spread will usually last about 3 to 5 days.

Serving Suggestions

As a Spread: For a healthy snack, spread it on bread, toast, or crackers.

As a Dip: Serve it with vegetable sticks, pita bread, or tortilla chips.

As a Side Dish: Combine it with rice, quinoa, or as a side dish with grilled vegetables or meat.

Variations

You can adjust this recipe for Lentil-Ginger Spread to your liking. Here are some variations you can try:

Spicy Ginger-Lentil Spread: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chilli flakes for spiciness.

Lentil-Ginger-Herb Spread: Mix in fresh or dried herbs such as cilantro, parsley, or thyme for extra flavour.

Lentil-Ginger-Lemon Spread: Add some lemon juice and zest for a tangy taste.

Related Recipes

Looking for more ways to incorporate nutritious ingredients into your cooking? Check out these recipes:

Lentil Pesto

Homemade Cream Cheese Spread

Creamy Tuna Spread

Lentil Buns

Conclusion

This Lentil-Ginger Spread is a versatile, nutritious, and delicious option for anyone who wants to add a healthy and tasty dish to their meals. With its rich combination of lentils and ginger, this spread offers a unique taste experience that suits every occasion. Whether you serve it as a sauce, a spread, or a side dish, your family and friends will surely like it. Give it a try and discover a new favourite in your recipe collection!