Eat more lentils; become more Canadian

Canada currently exports its lentils to over 100 countries around the globe, making it the world’s largest exporter of these nutrient-dense legumes. Canadian-harvested lentils include large quantities of green and red lentils, as well as smaller quantities of French, Spanish, and beluga lentils.

But there’s more reason to celebrate these tiny, edible discs than their Canadian-grown status—they’re also highly nutritious! In fact, just one cup (250 mL) of cooked lentils contains 16 grams of waist-trimming dietary fibre and only 1 (lonely) gram of fat.

In addition, lentils are packed with protein—18 g to be exact, in a single cup. And with a heartiness comparable to any meat, lentils are an excellent vegan-friendly substitution in pretty much any pasta, stew, and soup. Not convinced? Cook up a pot of Lentil Quinoa Stew or Lentil Potato Dal with Cashew Almond Sauce and experience for yourself just how satisfying lentils are.

Heck, lentils can even be used to make a nutty burger. Just slap on your favourite burger toppings (i.e., tomato slices, lettuce, pickles) and drizzle on a minty yogourt dressing and you’ve got a meal that will satisfy even the burliest meat eaters.

If that weren’t enough to get you on the lentil train, they’re so versatile they can even be used in loaves, muffins, and salads. And for lazy nights, preparing lentils is as easy as simmering, seasoning, and eating on a bed of basmati rice.