New Year Lentils
Posted on January 1, 2009
Filed Under Food
Across the globe people bring in the New Year with either a bean or lentil soup. Many believe the lentils resemble money. Eating them at the start of the year will help ensure prosperous months to follow.
Other than tasting really good in the various soup recipes, lentils are amazingly good for you. They are full of vitamins and minerals, high in fiber and protein. Not only would they be good for body builders they would be great for people that have reduced carbohydrates in their diets. Vegans love them because it adds dimension to a variety of dishes.
Because Lentils have the ability to absorb a great amount of flavors from broths and vegetables, you can prepare them as a soup or tasty dip. Check out these recipes.
Spanish Lentils
2 cups dried green lentils
1 medium tomato, diced
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 large potato, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2-3 cloves garlic, mashed
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 liter vegetable broth
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
In deep pot, sauté onion and garlic in oil until it starts to sweat. (change color) Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until lentils are to the desired texture. -about 30 minutes.
Soul Food Lentil Soup
2 cups dried green lentils
1 medium white onion, diced
1 cup of frozen sweet peas
1 large potato, diced
5 oz Salt Pork - small slices
2-3 cloves garlic, mashed
4 - 5 slices pre-cooked bacon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups beef broth
3 cups water
3 tablespoons olive oil
In deep pot, sauté onion, garlic, potatoes, peas, salt pork and bacon, with the olive oil until it starts to get aromatic. At this time the bacon and salt pork will begin to blend with the onion and garlic releasing a very pleasant breakfast like aroma. Add the liquids and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, season and cook until lentils are to the desired texture. -about 30/40 minutes. Keep on low heat for another hour.
Serve with rice. Garnish with tomato and green onion.
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