Are red lentils supposed to be teeny tiny?

[XanaDUer]

I am attempting to make a red lentil soup-I am familiar with green lentils, and make them a lot. However, this recipe calls for red lentils. I could not find them near where I live, so I had a friend send Turkish red lentils to me. They are so tiny, I cannot believe it!

They are very small, but they are red. They are pretty, I must say.

Anyone familiar with red lentils? If the soup turns out well, I will post the recipe.

Thanks!

[murphymom]

1. If we're talking about the same thing,

I remember them being more of an orange color and a little smaller than the brown lentils that are more common, but not teeny. Seems like they are a little "lighter" too, like they've been hulled or something, more like split peas. I've seen them in health food stores and a local market here that has a good-sized bulk food section. When I lived in the Bay Area I used to get them at an Indian market near me.

Haven't bought them in a while because I lost the recipe for the red lentil soup that I had. I remember it contained cumin and had a bit of grated lemon rind added before serving. I've tried to recreate it from memory, but although good, it wasn't quite the same. I'd love to see your recipe if you decide to post it.

[XanaDUer]

3. From Vegetarian Times

Red Lentil Soup

http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/7550

[murphymom]

6. Thanks!

Looks interesting, I'll save it for a later date.

[XanaDUer]

7. I can find another one

with cumin, red onions, red wine vinegar. I like green lentils, but love red lentils. They are so easy to make.

[NMDemDist2]

2. yes n/t

[XanaDUer]

4. Excellent!

Thanks. They look like tiny lady bugs.

[NMDemDist2]

5. that's about right

enjoy!

[Warpy]

8. They're tiny and bright orange, usually not red

at least the ones I'm familiar with are. They cook down into more of a mush, while the bigger green lentils tend to hold their shape. That's why red (and yellow) lentils are specified for soups, stews and dals.

They're all yummy.

[mopinko]

9. yup, teeny. the indian groceries around here

have a crazy, beautiful selection of lentils. i think they do tend to dye some of them. the brighter color ones seem to fade a lot when you cook them. :shrug: ethnic groceries are the best part about the big city.

[XanaDUer]

10. The soup was wonderful!

The red went away when I cooked them, but it tasted great. Easy-to-make recipe, too.

[mopinko]

11. my favorite greek place-big buns and pita

gives you a little cup of lentil soup as the standard side with a meal. yum.
yeah, i don't know if that is just a fragile compound making that color, or a dye. they do go pale. too bad. all good tho.