Beluga Lentils

What Are Beluga Lentils?

Beluga lentils (Lens culinaris) are a lentil variety with small, round grains and glossy black skins. They are named for their resemblance to the black caviar from beluga sturgeon. They were initially grown as animal feed in Canada and later became a gourmet ingredient in kitchens.

Thanks to their thick skins, they retain most of their shape and color when boiled, making them especially popular in salads and side dishes.

Nutritional Values of Beluga Lentils

Botanically, Beluga lentils are the same species as other lentils (Lens culinaris), so their nutritional profiles are similar. One hundred grams of boiled lentils provides about ~116 kcal of energy, ~9 g of plant protein, and ~7.9 g of fiber (approximate values based on an average across lentil varieties). They are also rich in iron and folate.

What Are the Benefits of Beluga Lentils?

With their high fiber and plant protein content, Beluga lentils are a legume that can be part of a balanced diet. The relationship between their dark skin and antioxidant compounds has been studied; these findings have not become definitive health recommendations.

This is general information; Beluga lentils are a food, not a medical treatment.

How to Choose Beluga Lentils

Good-quality Beluga lentils should be uniformly dark, glossy black, with no broken grains.

• The grains should be uniform in size and glossy; a dull color is a sign of staleness.
• The package should contain little dust or few broken grains.
• They should have no musty smell or signs of moisture.

How to Store Beluga Lentils

Dry Beluga lentils stay fresh for up to 1 year in a sealed container in a cool, dark cupboard. Cooked lentils can be refrigerated for 4–5 days.

Using Beluga Lentils in the Kitchen

Beluga lentils are usually boiled and used in salads, side dishes, and meze platters; their ability to hold their shape also makes them visually appealing.

How to Cook Beluga Lentils

Rinse the lentils; soaking is not necessary. Once the water boils, lower the heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.

How to Make Beluga Lentil Salad

Mix boiled and cooled lentils with red onion, parsley, goat cheese, and a lemon-olive oil dressing to make a light, elegant meze salad.

What Recipes Use Beluga Lentils?

Beluga lentil salad, boiled lentils served as a side with meat, lentil Buddha bowls, and meze platters are among the most common uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Beluga lentils and regular lentils?

Although they are the same species (Lens culinaris), Beluga lentils are smaller, round, and dark black. Their thick skins help them hold their shape better than other varieties when cooked.

Why are they called Beluga lentils?

They are named for their small, glossy black appearance, which resembles the expensive caviar from beluga sturgeon; their flavor has nothing to do with caviar.

Do Beluga lentils need to be soaked?

Soaking is not necessary because their skins are sturdy; they can be rinsed and boiled directly.

What are Beluga lentils good for?

They are rich in fiber, plant protein, and iron and are a nutritious part of a balanced diet. They are a food and are not claimed to cure any disease.

Where can you find Beluga lentils?

In Türkiye, they can be found dried in the gourmet legume sections of large supermarkets and at online retailers.