A Perfect Pot of Lentils

Lentils: far more than just for soup. I happen love Kale & Lentil soup (recipe coming soon!), but I also enjoy them in salads or paired with eggs. I'm trying to get into the habit of batch cooking (Side note: so hard! How am I to know what I'll want to eat for lunch on Thursday on Sunday afternoon???) and a pot of lentils felt like a safe place to start. (Also currently roasting a butternut squash in the oven, which as I type this, realize I've forgotten about and is probably burnt and shriveled up—oops!) This is a super simple recipe that will keep for a few days. Great to have on hand if you're a busy workin' gal (or guy), or looking for something healthy to have on hand for last minute dinners, lunch options, or even weekend brunch.

you'll need...

1 cup of lentils

2 cups of water

1 large carrot, diced

1 large or 2 small cloves of garlic, minced

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar

salt & pepper

to make...

Add olive oil, garlic and carrots to a flat, wide heavy bottomed pan. Sauté on medium heat until garlic is lightly golden. Don't let it burn! Add the lentils, water, a hearty pinch salt and a few grinds of fresh ground pepper. Cook on low until all the water has evaporated. I prefer my lentils a bit "al dente"—and by that I mean not mushy—but if you prefer them a tad softer, add 1/4 cup more water after it has all evaporated and cook for another few mins. Lentils should be done in about 25-30 mins, but keep an eye on them so they don't scorch. Once done, remove from heat and add the balsamic vinegar. You could also add Worcestershire sauce (more zesty) or a squeeze of fresh lemon (more Mediterranean)...but keep it to one type of acid/liquid.

And now, what to do with your cooked lentils: add to salads, warm and top with a poached egg, serve as a side, put them in soup for more nutrition and to bulk up a dish. And of course you can't go wrong by adding in some feta or goat cheese, or tossing them with some fresh greens (arugula, butter lettuce) or even some wilted ones (spinach, chard, kale) and calling it a meal.

#lentils #carrots #sidedish #salad #eggs #lunch #glutenfree #easy #vegan #vegetarian