Lentils are new to me this year. I read a blog post devoted to this lovely legume, gave it a try and fell head over heels in love. My kids? Not so much. But I’m working on it. One delicious lentil creation at a time.
I’m constantly thinking of ways to pack my high-energy boy full of protein, and lentils fit the bill. They’re also full of fiber & iron, so they really pack a healthy punch. Oh, and did I mention they’re cheap? As in the “dirt” variety? A little over a buck for a bag of organic lentils. Not too shabby. Here are my favorite lentil recipes thus far:
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Mash
This. is. gorgeous. Can food be gorgeous? Yes, definitely gorgeous.
photo from simplebites.net
Coconut Curried Green Lentil Soup
from Super Natural Every Day
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or unsalted butter)
- 1 tablespoon good quality curry powder, freshly ground
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped
- 5 cups of vegetable stock or water
- 1 1/2 cups green lentils, rinsed
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Melt coconut oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat, then add curry powder, garlic, and onion. Saute for about 3-4 minutes on medium heat, stirring often so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Add vegetable stock and green lentils. Bring soup to a boil, then partially cover and reduce heat. Simmer for between 20 and 50 minutes (or until lentils are tender; mine typically take about 50 minutes).
- Once the lentils have finished cooking, remove soup from the heat and stir in the coconut milk and salt. Puree the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender (in batches if using regular blender) until it is as smooth or as chunky as you prefer. Serve immediately.
White Beans and Cabbage
This one’s on my menu for this week. Not a lentil, but definitely a legume. We will consume the legume. This recipe is from the same book. I guess I’m going to have to buy it. (Hmmm, I do have a birthday coming up…)
We’ve been eating less meat and that’s always a good cost savings. I recently joined a meat CSA (community supported agriculture) at Hurricane Farm in Scotland, CT. I pick up part of my share tomorrow. I’m so excited! I’m hoping we can buy good quality meat, and eat less of it. I’ll let you know how it goes. If you’re looking for a farm near you that sells free range chickens, grass fed beef etc., check out eatwild.com.
