Power Packed Lentils

Lentils...I used the green ones here and thought I had overcooked them, but apparently the brown ones hold there shape better. Who knew?

Anyways, they are still packed full of protein, iron and fiber and that's what counts!

Ingredients:

1 cup green or brown dry lentils

1 tsp salt

(reserve 3/4 cup cooking water)

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 inch piece ginger, minced

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp smoky paprika

1/2 tsp pink himalayan salt

2 tbsps tomato paste

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/4 tsp lemon zest

1/2 cup chopped parsley

1/2 cup walnuts, optional

Rinse lentils then add the lentils to 6 cups of water. Add the salt and bring to a boil. Simmer 20-25 minutes. Drain and reserve 3/4 cup cooking water. Set aside both the lentils and water.

Sauté onions in coconut oil until softened then add half the ginger and half the garlic. Cook 1 minute. Add the turmeric, pepper, paprika and salt along with the tomato paste. Stir in the reserved cooking liquid and simmer 2-3 minutes.

Add the lentils and mix well. Remove from heat and add the remaining ginger and garlic, lemon juice, zest and parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings. I added a little more lemon juice. 

Serve with brown rice or sweet potatoes

Serves 3-4

Adapted from Nevine's Cuisine