Petite Golden Lentils
Petite Golden Lentils are small shelled, lens-shaped legumes that are known for their quick-cooking nature and high protein content.


Suggested uses
Basic prep
Carefully sort lentils and rinse thoroughly. Bring 4 cups water to boil in saucepan. Slowly stir in 1 cup lentils. Reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until lentils are still firm but cooked through, approximately 18-20 minutes. Drain lentils and rinse with cold water. Season with salt. Refrigerate until serving.
Storage & handling
Store in a cool, dry place.
Ingredients
Yellow lentils
Petite Golden Lentils, or "Lens esculenta," are a small, golden yellow variety of lentils, averaging about half the size of standard lentils, with a slightly more rounded shape.
The bushy, annual plant is a member of the legume family, growing about 16 inches tall with seed-producing pods. The dried seeds stored within those pods are the lentils themselves. After their dull-colored seed coat is removed, these vibrant, low-maintenance pearls are revealed to provide fast, easy cooking and quality nutrient supply. Lentils are part of a family of legumes collectively known as pulses, which also includes dried peas and sometimes chickpeas.
The lentil is one of the oldest cultivated legumes-even being mentioned in the Hebrew Bible-and is believed to be native to southwestern Asia and northern Syria. The word lentil stems from the Latin "lens."
Unlike their cousin, the bean, lentils do not need to be soaked and therefore are much faster to cook. They are often paired with grains or rice to provide a complete protein. Rice and lentils make up the popular Indian dish "khichdi," as well as one of the national dishes of Egypt, "kushari." About a quarter of lentil production is from India, most of which is consumed by its domestic market.
In addition to high protein and fiber content, the lentil is also packed with iron, zinc, potassium and magnesium. Eating lentils and other pulses may help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. They are also an excellent source of folate, which is especially important during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects.
Classic recipe
Chilled Petite Golden Lentil Soup with Tarragon and Chervil
This creamy chilled soup, made with our protein-rich Petite Golden Lentils, is light enough for a hot day but still filling. Serve with a green salad for a simple, satisfying lunch that won't weigh you down.