Sweet And Sour Lentils With Fine Noodles
Sweet and sour lentils with fine noodles combine hearty lentils, crisp vegetables, and a tangy sauce, creating a flavorful vegan dish perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils ⓘ
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup honey ⓘ
- 1/3 cup rice or white vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger ⓘ
- 6 ounces Ramen or other fine noodles
- 2 tablespoons dark sesame oil (or hot sesame oil) ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 large carrot, sliced thinly ⓘ
- 1/2 medium green pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 to 3 bunches green onion, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash and sort the lentils.
- Place the lentils in a saucepan with 2 cups water, cover, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until tender but firm.
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and grated ginger.
- Mix and set aside the sauce mixture.
- Cook the noodles until tender or al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sliced carrot; sauté over medium-low heat until the carrot is tender-crisp.
- Add finely chopped green pepper and chopped green onions; sauté until onions wilt slightly.
- Add the cooked lentils and the soy sauce and honey mixture; simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Combine all ingredients, blend well, and let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of Sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce mixture. You can substitute lentils with chickpeas or black beans for a different texture and flavor. If you want it sweeter, increase the honey slightly. Using whole wheat or zucchini noodles can also enhance the dish's nutritional profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet and Sour Lentils with Fine Noodles as a main dish, garnished with additional chopped green onions. It pairs beautifully with sides like Green Beans With Personality or a simple cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled tofu or chicken on top for added protein.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. This dish also holds up well when reheated in the microwave, just ensure it’s covered.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Lentils With Fine Noodles contains roughly 237 calories, with 11g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1413mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time. It's actually great for meal prep! Just store the cooked lentils and noodles separately from the sauce and vegetables until you're ready to serve. Reheat gently when ready to eat.
What type of lentils work best for this recipe?
Brown or green lentils are the best choices for this dish, as they hold their shape well during cooking. Red lentils may become too mushy and won't provide the desired texture. Rinse them thoroughly before cooking for the best results.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just make sure to check that the soy sauce and honey are vegan; you can substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup if preferred.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).