Looking for a shelf-stable, quick-cooking, kidney-friendly staple? Look no further, red lentils to the rescue! They are my go-to ingredient, that is flexible with flavors and cooks up in less than 20 minutes. Lentils are part of the legume family and though small in size, they are a nutritious powerhouse.

These Sweet Korean Lentils are big in flavor but low in sodium thanks to the Coconut Aminos. Keep in mind that different brands of coconut aminos will vary in sodium content.

Why are red lentils so great, let me count the ways…

1. Lentils are rich in Vitamin B6, folate and iron. All of which help support healthy red blood cells (RBC). One serving of red lentils gives you 24% of your daily recommendation of folate.
2. They are a source of plant-based iron. Iron helps to support production of red blood cells. Low iron stores can lead to anemia which is prevalent in CKD. Lentils are one of the richest plant-based sources of iron!
3. If you have a gluten intolerance, red lentils are naturally gluten-free.
4. They are high in gut-friendly fiber.
5. Red lentils are a good source of plant-based protein which has been shown to decrease protein in urine (proteinuria) and slow the decline of kidney function.
6. Along with being highly nutritious, lentils are in-expensive and readily available in most grocery stores.

Curious to learn more about our whole person approach to improving kidney health?

Starting from scratch on a plant-based, low protein diet when you have kidney disease can be overwhelming. A Renal Dietitian can help you understand what amount of protein, calories, sodium, and potassium is right for you! Join our monthly class or schedule a consultation with one of our expert Renal Dietitians to help you on the journey to improve your kidney health.

KidneyRD Verdict

Sweet Korean Lentils have been a “keeper” recipe in rotation in my home for several years. The flavors blend together with minimal work and the final dish is “take-out” worthy while also being low in sodium and kidney-friendly. Are you following an MD-ordered potassium restriction and worried about the potassium in red lentils? Don’t be. This recipe has just over 400 mg potassium per serving. A nice low-medium level for a meal.

Looking for side options? Pair the Korean lentils with a side of rice and some steamed veggies.  Bonus points, they reheat very well for a to-go meal.

Sweet Korean Lentils

These sweet Korean lentils have take out worthy flavor without compromising kidney friendly nutrition!

Recipe developed and tested by Diana Bruen, MS, RD.

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Course: Main, Side Dish

Cuisine: Asian, Ethnic

Keyword: Low Calorie, Low Phosphorus, Low Potassium, Low Protein, Low Sodium, Plant-Based

Diet Type: CKD, Dialysis, VLPD

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 253kcal

Author: Diana Bruen, MS, RD

Ingredients

Sauce:

• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 inch fresh ginger minced
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper * use 1/2 teaspoon if you like a little heat
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Lentils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion chopped
• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 green onions sliced

Instructions

• Mix all sauce ingredients together in a jar or large measuring cup.
• Heat oil in a medium to large pot and over medium- high heat.  Add the onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until the onion is soft and begins to brown.
• Add the lentils and sauce, bring to a gentle boil.  Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 8-10 minutes.  The lentils will be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
• Spoon lentils into four servings, garnish with green onions.

Notes

Make it a meal: add a side of brown rice and steamed veggies

Can't find coconut aminos: substitute with low sodium soy sauce

You may have heard that nuts, beans, and whole grains are not a great choice for a kidney-friendly diet because they are high in phosphorus.  Wondering why we include them in many of our recipes?  We include beans, nuts, and whole grains because only about 40% of phosphorus found in these plant foods are absorbed by humans. This makes them a good fit for most people's diets! If you have questions about adding these foods to your diet, please reach out to your dietitian.

Nutrition

Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 354mg | Potassium: 492mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 115IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 4mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @KNI_Care or tag #KNIrecipes!

Recipe adapted from It Doesn’t Take Like Chicken

_{ALL information you read on KidneyRD.com is purely for informational and educational purposes. Information is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease.}