Lentil Festival calls for recipe entrants

The Pullman Chamber of Commerce is preparing for the 27th annual National Lentil Festival in August and is seeking recipes for the 21st annual Legendary Lentil Cook-off.

Festival organizers call for "creative cooks with lively lentil creations" from across the country to participate. Last year 114 recipes from 25 states and Canada were in the entry list.

"It gets anyone and everyone who is interested in lentils to participate and get involved," Festival Director Alexandria Anderson said. "It's a great component of the festival because people see that lentils are not just used in soups."

Once recipes are submitted online at http://www.lentilfest.com by the June 15 deadline, a panel of local food experts will screen each recipe and select the top five to move forward in the competition. Recipes are screened and rated in six categories: preparation ease, flavor, texture, creativity, appearance and lentil use. Additionally, recipes can have a maximum of 15 ingredients and must contain either one half-cup of dry lentils or one cup of cooked lentils.

The top five entrants will prepare their recipes to be judged by a panel of local celebrity judges and the first 100 attendees for the festival Aug. 21-22. There will be prizes for the top three as well as the People's Choice Award. Prizes are $2,000 and the National Lentil Festival chef's hat for first place, $1,000 for second place, $500 for third place and $100 for the People's Choice Award.

Anderson said she's always surprised by the diversity of recipes. The most surprising one she's ever seen?

"Lentil donut holes. They were delicious!"

She said The Daily Grind got involved last year and was able to incorporate lentils into caramel, peanut butter and even fruit smoothies.

Following recipe submission, the 2015 National Lentil Festival Cook-off Recipe Booklet will be produced and made available for sale both days of the festival and online for $5. Last year's edition is also still available for $3.