Lentils are high in protein and fiber and low in fat, which makes them a healthy substitute for meat. They're also packed with folate, iron, phosphorus, potassium and fiber. Great basic recipe that can be enjoyed with your own passion. Take a look at some of the options.
1 lb Lentils
2 Bay Leaves
1 Tsp dried thyme
2 Garlic Cloves, halved
½ Onion, chopped
4 Roma Tomato, chopped or 1 can of chopped tomatoes
1 cup Celery, chopped
1 sweet Potato, diced or carrots
¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
3½ qts Water
1 tsp Cumin, ground
Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste
lemon wedge
INSTRUCTIONS
Wash and clean the lentils and set aside.
Add celery, onions and garlic to hot oil in a nice size pot. You want it to be big enough to have room to expand.
Add sweet potatoes or carrots.. Not a fan of carrots unless its cake😂 So I substituted with sweet potatoes.
Add thyme, cumin and salt
Stir and continue cooking until slightly tender. You don't want to cook it completely just enough for flavors to come together.
Add diced tomatoes, lentils, bay leaves and water. You can use your favorite broth in place of water. I use water to lessen the salt in the recipe. If you use broth make sure you taste before adding salt at the end.
Top with fresh parsley and cilantro.
Cook for 20 minutes
Add fresh spinach after the 20 minutes and continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Once the lentils are done taste. Do you need salt or pepper? You can add cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.
OPTIONS
You can also add meat such as sausage, chicken even shrimp
I substituted carrots with diced yams. But of course you can use carrots or even both.
Broth can be used instead of water. I used water to cut down on the salt that is usually added to store bought broth. But you are welcome to use it and taste before adding additional salt at the end.
You can top with salsa, parmesan cheese and olive oil. Try some flax seed oil it full of omega 3 and adds additional health benefits.
Add a cup of rice. It can be cooked or add in the beginning before the first simmer. Before you add the spinach.
You can add extra vegetables. Cauliflower, Zucchini or squash are great choices.
Grab your ingredients watch the video and enjoy!