Lentils

Their botanical name (Lens esculenta) derives from the lens shape of the seed. Lentils were among the first legumes cultivated and consumed by man, and traces of them have been found in excavations in Türkiye dating back to 5500 BC. They were also held in high esteem by the ancient Egyptians, in fact tombs dating back to 2500 BC have been found. furthermore, lentils are the first legume to be mentioned in the Bible. Compared to other legumes, they have the highest protein content, they do not require soaking periods before cooking and, like peas, they have shorter cooking times. Lentils are consumed as soups, purées, or side dishes for cooked sausages (zampone, cotechino).