The secret to the delightful flavor of this dish is the roasting!

Roasted garlic, eggplant, rep pepper and sauteed leeks create a richness that makes this similar to a pate in texture and flavor.

This recipe is also full of nutrition. Lentils are hardy and full of protein and fiber.

This is also light and when spread on whole wheat or flax crackers leaves you satisfied yet not full.

It is also easy to make and can be whippped up on short notice.

Ingredients

1 medium eggplant
1 cup lentils
1 glove garlic
1 medium leek
1/2 cup olive oil
1 bunch cilantro
1 lime
1 roasted red pepper
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

In a 350 degree oven wrap in aluminum foil the eggplant cut in half with a drizzle of olive oil on the flesh.

In a clay roaster or aluminum foil wrap the garlic and place in oven to roast.

Both should take no more than 30-45 minutes.

In a pan add a drizzle of olive oil to sliced leeks and sautee until translucent.

Cook 1 cup of lentils in 2 cups of water until tender.

When everything is done and cooled for handling, place in the food processor.

Add the cilantro and puree.

Add enough olive oil to create the texture you desire.

For a creamier dip; just add more oil.

I then chopped the roasted red pepper, very fine, and folded it into the finished mixture.

I wanted little “pops” of sweet juicy flavor and the texture contrast.

I, also squeezed some lime into the finished dish and then gave it a good mixing.

Serve with your favorite crackers or breads or even crudites.

I came across this recipe in March 2010 Food and Wine magazine.

Chef Mehmet Gurs has created a nice twist on traditional chick pea hummus.

I went crazy with the cilantro and added avocado, also, I substituted vegetable stock for the chicken stock to make this a vegan treat.

I used a whole wheat tortilla to create a balanced hot meal for Meatless Monday!

INGREDIENTS

3 Cups water of vegetable stock
1 cup green lentils (about 6 ounces)
1 bay leaf
3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Salt
Cayenne pepper
Sweet paprika, for sprinkling
Pita chips, sliced fennel and red bell pepper strips, for serving

DIRECTIONS

In a medium saucepan, combine the water/ stock, green lentils and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. Uncover and boil the lentils over high heat until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes. Discard the bay leaf and let the lentils cool slightly.
Transfer the cooked lentils to a food processor. Add the chopped garlic, tahini, olive oil and lemon juice and puree until smooth. Scrape the hummus into a bowl, stir in the cumin and 2 tablespoons of the chopped cilantro and season with salt and cayenne. Garnish the hummus with paprika and the remaining 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro. Serve the lentil hummus warm or at room temperature with pita chips and vegetable crudités.

MAKE AHEAD
The lentil hummus can be refrigerated overnight. Let return to room temperature before serving.

This dish is easy, inexpensive and full of vegetable protein and nutrients.

This was filling and truly delicious. It is definitely something to keep in the fridge for a snack or meal.

Winter lentils are full of vegetables, spices and flavor.

This protein packed legume is loaded with nutrients and fiber.

I like to make this thick, however, you can always add liquid to make it more soupy if you wish.
The white wine adds richness and depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

2 cups green lentils
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 shallot
4-6 cloves garlic
1 medium onion
1 red pepper
5-6 carrots
5-6 stalks celery
2 tsps ground sage
1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup raisins
3 cups vegetable stock
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup white wine (optional)

Method

Chop and sautee the vegetables in the olive oil.

Add nuts and raisins and sage and white wine.

Add the lentils and vegetable stock and allow to simmer on low until the liquid is absorbed and the lentils and vegetables are tender.

I was craving sage! And by sage I mean Thanksgiving dinner, mostly the stuffing. But since I am shooting for the “unstuffed” look this Fall I wanted to come up with something that would have a rich texture, complex flavors and be healthy, nutritious, not fattening and still satisfy my cravings! Tall order but with a little luck; I had the ingredients on hand and not too much effort I managed to approximate the “stuffed” theme with out the aftermath; tight pants!

I started with my basic lentil recipe and added brown rice, and some chopped tomatoes. I also have an abundance of sage in my garden so I used that although I know for a fact that the dried stuff from the store works just as well. The secret, I think, is to slowly sauté the herbs in oil to extract the flavors.

I stuffed everything into peppers and baked them slowly. Eating healthy without feeling deprived, plus it was cheap! Lentils are the best bang for your food dollar around and full of nutrients; even protein. My good behavior left a little wiggle room today for a glass of wine! I love days like today!

Here’s the recipe which made enough to stuff 8 medium size peppers with some left over to make wraps for the children’s lunch tomorrow.

Ingredients

1 cup lentils
1 cup brown rice
1-2 Tbsp Oil or butter (I used coconut oil because I like the added flavor)
3-4 cloves of garlic
2-3 medium sized carrots
2-3 medium sized celery stalks
2 small tomatoes, chopped
Sage to taste (I used about 10 fresh fairly large leaves)
3 cups of water or vegetable stock, chicken stock; your preference
8 medium sized bell peppers (I used the orange, yellow and red variety)
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Preheat oven to 325 Fahrenheit

In a large skillet add the oil, chopped garlic, fresh sage or powdered, chopped carrots, chopped celery and sauté until soft.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Add the brown rice and lentils and coat them in the mixture then add the water and the tomatoes.

Let simmer until the water is absorbed. About 30-45 minutes.

Cut the stem out of the peppers creating a “cup”

Spoon the mixture into the peppers and place in your baking dish.

Here I will add enough water to cover the bottom of the dish; sometime I add a little white wine for flavor.

I don’t like my peppers to be mushy so I bake them just until they are tender; about 30 minutes.

What do you cook when you want to treat your body very well, are on a tight grocery budget or need a comfort food to feed your soul?

This is one of my favorite comfort meals; staple go-to cheap dinner of all time.
You can vary this dish in so many ways. I have added tofu, broccoli and spinach; or any veggie on hand, spices, coconut milk, mushrooms, etc. I also eat this hot or cold, sometimes adding a bit of olive oil to create a kind of lentil salad.

I have also served it over brown rice on cold winter days with a dollop of yogurt and fresh herbs.

With a warm chunk of crusty bread and a nice glass of Pinot Noir is probably my favorite way to enjoy this inexpensive, highly nutritious favorite.

Ingredients

3 Cups of lentils
3-4 cloves garlic
5-6 medium sized carrots
6-7 celery stalks
1Cup White wine
2TBS olive Oil
3-4 Cups water (vegetable stock)

Method:

1. In a large skillet or pot add olive oil, thinly sliced garlic, chopped celery and chopped carrots. (Adding these ingredients together helps to maintain enough moisture in the oil to prevent the garlic from browning).

Cook until vegetables become soft.

2. Add lentils and stir them around to get coated in the oil and vegetable mixture.

3. Add the wine and let simmer for a minute or two.

4. Add veggie stock or water; place a lid on the pot and cook until liquid is completely absorbed.

Add salt to taste.

This is the basic recipe. I have added crushed red pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, cumin and curry. (Not at the same time, just variations on a theme) I like to keep a container of lentils in the fridge and eat them in pitas with yogurt. I also like them burrito style with fresh veggies and cheese.

You can also make this dish with chicken; sautéing the chicken in the olive oil before adding the veggies and adding chicken stock to cook.