Forget Eggs: This Versatile Ingredient Has Way More Protein

Eggs are a delicious, nutritious, and versatile ingredient. They're also a breakfast classic that we've enjoyed alongside our morning bacon and cereal for ages now. As good as they are, though, they're not number one when it comes to protein. There are plenty of other protein-rich ingredients for us to enjoy, and one in particular is just as versatile and tasty, if not more so, than the stalwart egg.

Lentils are a member of the legume family, making them related to beans and other plants like chickpeas. They're a highly nutritious food and are rich in vitamins and minerals such as fiber, iron, phosphorous, and zinc. They have just under 18 grams of protein per cup, three times as much as the average egg, so it's no wonder lentils are one of the foods celebrity chef Ina Garten always keeps stocked in her pantry. Granted, these nutritional stats can vary somewhat based on the variety of lentils, and they aren't a singular unit like eggs are. Even still, when it comes to protein, lentils are the clear winner.

Lentils may also be better for heart health than eggs. Dietary cholesterol was once thought to be a major component of the risk of heart disease, but we now know that it's a much more complex issue that includes other components like saturated fat. Even with this information, it's noteworthy that lentils contain no cholesterol and negligible amounts of fatty acids, whereas eggs are a cholesterol-rich food with high amounts of fatty acids.

Because of the versatility of lentils, you can use them to make a wide variety of delicious recipes for your next breakfast. Turn red lentils into yummy protein pancakes, or add powdered or ground lentils to your regular pancakes for an extra protein boost in your favorite breakfast. Add lentils to breakfast tacos to make a delicious savory meal to start the day.

You can also mix lentils in with your morning oatmeal, creating a savory, nutritious, filling, and protein-rich breakfast that will help you start the day right. Most additives for oatmeal are sweet, but a savory oatmeal can be just as good, especially when you pair it with your favorite spices and seasonings.

And lentils don't have to completely replace eggs in the mornings. As long as you can avoid some common omelet-making mistakes, you can make a lentil omelet that provides plenty of protein and tastes amazing. Use lentils and eggs for a breakfast bowl, or top a bowl of lentils with a poached egg for the best of both worlds. Lentils lend themselves to almost any breakfast, so don't be afraid to try these powerful little legumes out.