Sweet potatoes and pumpkin pair perfectly with the earthiness of French green lentils in this sweet and savory pumpkin lentils dish. This recipe is also incredibly easy to throw together. I pre-seasoned the squash with shallots, garlic, salt, and pepper. That meant that all this recipe required was chopping up some sweet potatoes and throwing lentils into a rice cooker! No additional spices or ingredients necessary. It was probably one of the fastest that I've put lentils together in and delicious to boot.
You can use whatever kind of lentils that you want in this recipe. However, I am particularly fond of French green lentils. This sounds a little bourgeois and unnecessary. To a certain extent, it absolutely is! But French green lentils are one of my favorite. They hold their shape remarkably well and have an earthy taste.
This is in opposition to red lentils or other softer varieties that tend to disintegrate into the dish. This can add a very pleasant creaminess to vegan dishes. However, when you're looking for lentils that are more robust and hold their shape, French green lentils are my favorite. Most firmer beans or legumes will also work, though.
Gallery
You'll have to forgive the photos here! I don't know why I didn't end up taking an end result thumbnail. I think that I was so hungry that I forgot and ended up just eating it, instead... Although there are plenty of scrumptious photographs of the many, many holiday burritos that I made with it!
What to Make w/ Pumpkin Lentils
Pumpkin and lentils pair perfectly together. They're sweet and savory. This pair works well in a variety of dishes from eggs to burritos.
Sweet potatoes and pumpkin pair perfectly with the earthiness of French green lentils in this sweet and savory pumpkin lentils dish. Since the pumpkin is pre-seasoned with garlic, shallots, salt, and pepper, you don't need to add any additional spices. This makes it an incredibly easy dish to throw together and serve alongside any holiday meal.
This recipe calls for Roasted Pie Pumpkin Purée. This takes about 2 hours and requires a pie pumpkin, garlic, shallots, salt, and pepper, as well as aluminum foil and a baking dish. I usually make it ahead of time and have some on hand. But you can prepare them back-to-back!
Cook Lentils
Add all of the ingredients into a rice cooker (sweet potato, pumpkin, lentils, and water).I like to slice the sweet potatoes, cut them in half, and then in thirds. As with a small pizza, this makes 6 slices (one in half and then an X). That's how I make triangles, instead of cubes.
Press the cook button on the rice cooker. While lentils aren't rice, it does cook the same and oftentimes better than rice in a rice cooker. It typically takes 30-45 minutes.
When the lentils is fully cooked, fluff with a wooden spoon and serve.Do not use a fork or other metal utensil. It will scratch off the nonstick surface on the rice cooker. This will leach teflon into your food and cause future dishes to stick to the bottom!
Tips, Tricks, & Notes
This recipe doesn't require seasoning. If you've already put salt, pepper, garlic, and shallots in the pumpkin, this is plenty! If you didn't season the pumpkin or need a little bit more, feel free to add some, though.
While lentils are not rice, it does cook the same and oftentimes better than rice in a rice cooker. It typically takes 30-45 minutes. Alternatively you can simmer on the stove. Add all of the ingredients to a pot, bring uncovered to a boil, lower heat to a simmer, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes and lentils are tender. Turn off heat, add lid, and let sit another 5-10 minutes.
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