Sprouted Lentils

   I was filling my grain jars the other day and ended up with about a cup of lentils that wouldn't fit. I have been wanting to try sprouting lentils, but I don't like sprouted mung beans so I wasn't  too anxious  to start. Anyhow I did give them a try and they are delicious!

  The nutritional content of a seed is at its highest when in germination, hence the health nut notion that sprouts are good for you: its for real. Maybe sprouts in general are an acquired taste, but if you are a vegetarian you should acquire a taste for lentils, especially sprouted, and even if you're not they have an amazing amount of nutrition. I started looking and founds loads of information on lentils that has encouraged me to use them more.

So here we are sprouting lentils:

      I put a  over a cup of dry lentils in a half gallon jar- quart  jar would do for half the amount of sprouts.  I filled the jar half full of water and set aside for 24 hours.

   If you don't have a sprouting lid ( which is made for a wide mouth mason jar) you can make your own straining lid by cutting a circle of screen and a regular jar ring. We've had this in the family for years. I was looking closely wondering what kind of metal it was. Most screen now is nylon- that would work too, it just isn't as stiff.

     After 24 hours rinse the beans very well twice a day. and let drain completely after each rinsing. This is basically the way we do all our sprouts except I will use the different sized lids. Clover seeds are so small, the screen works best for them.

    In about 4 or 5 days you'll have sprouts. The smaller the seed the less time it takes. Well, maybe not,  garlic seeds take a lot longer than say, red clover,  so beware of fancy mixes.

   Then I take a handful of sprouts, dash on some spices and ranch type dressing, sweet onion, and dried cranberries, it is thoroughly enjoyed.





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