Boiling lentils in chicken stock?
I have some decent chicken stock that needs using and I am making a takka dhal tonight. I preboil my lentils, and was wondering if I boiled them in the chicken stock, whether or not they would soak up the flavour at all? Or would it just be a waste?
Advice would be welcome!
Thanks.
Best Answer
Yes, they will take up some of the flavor of the stock. However:
1) the flavor will be subtle and hard to detect, especially if you are spicing the dal heavily (as you usually do with Indian food)
2) it's not that authentic, since Indian food is often vegetarian.
Personally, I'd freeze the chicken stock and use it for something else. Or make Turkish lentil soup, which does call for a stock base.
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Can you cook lentils in stock?
Cook on a stovetop, using 3 cups of liquid (water, stock, etc) to 1 cup of dry lentils. Be sure to use a large enough saucepan as the lentils will double or triple in size. Bring to a boil, cover tightly, reduce heat and simmer until they are tender. For whole lentils, cook time is typically 15-20 minutes.Can I cook lentils in broth instead of water?
If you want to add extra flavor to lentils, here are a few flavor boosters: Cook dry lentils in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.Should you boil lentils before cooking?
Boil lentils in three times the volume of water and avoid cooking with anything acidic \u2013 such as vinegar. Lentils will vary in their cooking times depending on their variety and age, so always check the packet. Lentils are also great in the pressure cooker; cook for around 20-30 mins (depending on the type).How do I make green lentils with chicken broth?
InstructionsHow to Cook Lentils in Chicken Stock \u0026 Roasted Garlic : Latin Cuisine
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Answer 2
Lentils cook fast and so don't require preboiling. The dal recipes that I have used cook the lentils in the liquid until it is absorbed.
I would recommend using a recipe that cooks the lentils in the stock directly to include all of the flavor.
If you insist on preboiling then I would agree with others that you should use the stock for something else.
Answer 3
It wouldn't make a massive difference to the taste - most of the flavour will come from the spices and things you add to the dhal - and the salt in the stock could prevent the lentils from softening as you cook them, leaving them a little tough.
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