Two Winners Selected in Power Up with Lentils LTO Contest

Lentils.org collaborates with Chef’s Roll on New Promotion for Culinary Professionals

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN (June 16, 2022) – This spring, dozens of commercial and non-commercial chefs menued limited time offer (LTO) Lentil Power Bowls in pursuit of a $2,500 cash prize and a trip to the Lentils.org Summer 2022 Farm Tour. Taking the top prize in the Commercial category was Brandon Harpster, executive chef of Single Barrel Chophouse in Lincoln, NE. with his entry for a Whole Red Lentil Steak Bowl. The Non-Commercial category winner was Michael Fraino, executive chef of Restaurant Associates/American Express in New York City with his entry for Crispy Lentil & Lamb Fritters with Sprouted Lentil & Spring Herb Tabbouleh, Pickled Radish, Charred Baby Carrot, Blistered Tomato, Tahini Garlic Puree & Toasted Pignoli.

  • Brandon Harpster, executive chef of Single Barrel Chophouse in Lincoln, NE – Whole Red Lentil Steak Bowl
  • Michael Fraino, executive chef with Restaurant Associates/American Express in New York City – Crispy Lentil & Lamb Fritters with Sprouted Lentil & Spring Herb Tabbouleh

“We were thrilled to see the quality of entries from chefs all across the United States,” said Amber Johnson, director of marketing and communications for Lentils.org. “A highlight of this campaign was hearing about the success of the LTOs, and we are looking forward to seeing some of these dishes turn into permanent menu items due to the customer response.”

The Power Up With Lentils contest launched April 18, 2022, in cooperation with Chef’s Roll, and all entrants were required to LTO their menu item for at least three days for their entry to be valid.

Bowls Offer Menu Versatility

Bowls have taken over foodservice menus recently, and the trend is not expected to go away anytime soon. Power bowls offer the consumer highly customizable and balanced meals in convenient and often portable vessels for on the go. For operators, bowls offer versatility and the ability to cross-utilize a variety of ingredients into diverse offerings.

Lentils.org defines a balanced power bowl (per serving) as:

  • ½ cup whole grains
  • ½ cup lentils
  • 1 cup produce
  • 2 oz. of meat as a condiment (optional)
  • Generous use of spices, herbs, aromatics, nuts, seeds to flavor and inspire

Packed with many interesting components and colors, power bowls are a great application for safe experimentation, allowing the consumer to try a new ingredient, flavor, or cuisine when it is paired with more familiar items to entice them. Around 85% of consumers are looking to increase vegetable consumption (Datassential) and bowls are perfect vessel to do so, and they also capitalize on the health halo effect of better-for-you menu items.

Culinary Appeal & Innovation Opportunities

For operators, bowls present an opportunity to cross-utilize many ingredients into an endless variety of combinations. The versatility of bowls allows for innovation around ingredient choice and seasonality by creating different concepts for each season and utilizing seasonal produce. Lean into innovation around global cuisine by using regionally influenced flavors, spices and a great sauce to highlight different regions of the world. The possibilities are endless to transport a finite list of ingredients into unique customizable bowls that pack huge flavor and inspiration. Try playing with color, texture and temperature to elevate options and uniqueness further.  

Operational Perks

Operationally, power bowls can be served a number of ways: They can be assembled to order, customized to order on a quick-service order line, offered self-serve on a salad bar, or even as a prepared grab-and-go option. Prepared lentils and whole grains hold nicely both warm and cold, making them a perfect base for bowls in all formats.

Bowls span dayparts with applications at lunch and dinner, but also breakfast. Power bowls can also be easily tweaked to take advantage of and elevate seasonally abundant ingredients.

About Lentils

Lentils.org recognizes the impact of culinary innovators and volume foodservice leaders in feeding and shaping the diets of North Americans. Lentils play an important role in shifting diets towards more plant-forward options and expanding menus. Lentils are simple, quick and easy to cook, while also standing up well to cooking and freezing in batches. Lentils are also versatile and can be used across the menu and dayparts, from breakfast to desserts and everything in between. Nutritionally, lentils are high in protein and fiber, while being low in fat, making them an excellent choice to extend or replace animal protein in a variety of dishes. Lentils are among the most economical plant-based protein choices and are applauded for their sustainability benefits.

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About Lentils.org and Saskatchewan Pulse Growers

Lentils.org is a promotional brand funded by Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG), working with the food industry to promote awareness and use of delicious, nutritious and sustainable Canadian lentils. SPG is accountable to and funded by over 15,000 pulse crop (lentil, pea, chickpea, dry bean, faba bean) farmers in Saskatchewan. For more information, please visit Lentils.org.

LENTILS.ORG CONTACT:

Amber Johnson

Lentils.org

ajohnson@saskpulse.com

MEDIA INQUIRIES:

Eric Davis

Curious Plot

edavis@curiousplot.agency