Lentils.

 

Meat isn't high on my "like" list, so I'm constantly in search of other ways to add protein into my diet. I consider myself a fairly active individual, so I understand the importance of consuming at least 60g of protein a day. My current protein sources include: tofu, fish, edamame, eggs, nuts, oatmeal and soy milk. I'm also a fan of lentils, but until recently I haven't explored cooking with them. 

Are you interested in cooking with lentils? Do winter temperatures have you craving warm foods? If you answered yes to either of these questions, I recommend you explore one of these recipes...

Lively Up Yourself Lentil Soup

[adapted from: 101 cookbooks]

Serves 6 to 8. 

2 cups green French lentils, picked over and rinsed
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 cups water
3 cups of kale, rinsed well, deveined, finely chopped 

Topping options:

Plain, nonfat Greek yogurt

Goat cheese crumbles

Eggs

+Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan, add the lentils, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.

+Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy soup pot over medium heat, then add the onion and salt and saute until tender, a couple minutes. 

+Stir in the tomatoes, lentils, and water and continue cooking for a few more minutes, letting the soup come back up to a simmer. 

+Stir in the chopped greens, and wait another minute. 

+Taste and adjust the seasoning if need be. 

+Ladle into bowls, and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or goat cheese crumbles.

+For an added punch of protein, top with a poached egg.

Two other recipes in which lentils are the shining star:

Red Lentil Soup  (recommended topping: goat cheese) 

Curried Red Lentil, Swiss Chard & Chickpea Soup (recommended topping: plain, nonfat yogurt)

[Mottainai.]