L is for Lentils

 

I know I have posted about lentils before, but, frankly, they are my favorite of the legumes. We tend to eat them nearly every week. 

Lentils make an excellent addition to your diet if you have diabetes, because lentils help lower or manage A1C levels and blood glucose due to their high fiber and protein content, which prevent blood sugar spikes. Regular consumption can improve insulin resistance.

Here is one of my favorite recipes:

Pot O' Lentils

2 cups uncooked lentils

1 chopped onion

1 chopped carrot

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/4 cup chopped bell pepper

1 can tomato soup or paste

1 Tablespoon molasses

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon margarine

1 teaspoon curry (optional, but really adds to the flavor!)

1 packet of George Washington broth (or other bullion seasoning)

1 teaspoon salt

Smokene or other smoke flavoring, to taste (optional)

Cook lentils, onion, carrot, celery and pepper together in 4 cups of water until lentils are cooked and vegetables are soft. Add other ingredients and simmer. 

This is a good and filling pot for the new neighbors moving in next door.

                                      *************************************

Lentil Soup

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups uncooked lentils

4 cups of water

2 cups tomatoes or tomato juice (I have used V8 juice instead)

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon dill seed

1 bay leaf

Saute onion and garlic. Add lentils and water. Cook for 40 minutes. add rest of ingredients and cook 20-40 minutes more. The soup tastes even better when made the day before serving.

Yields: 4-6 servings

                                     *************************************

Esau's Pottage

1 cup brown rice, uncooked

1 cup lentils, uncooked

1 teaspoon salt

5 cups of water

1/4 olive oil

1 1/4 cups chopped onion

Cook rice and lentils in salted water for about 45 minutes, or until done. Add onion and oil and simmer for another 10-15 minutes.

                                  *************************************

I hope you enjoy these recipes, along with the ones from my other lentil post. Which one are you most interested in trying? Please share in the comments below.