Lentils are a nutritional powerhouse of the legume family. They contain cholesterol-lowering fiber and prevent blood sugar levels from rising rapidly after a meal. They also contain high quantities of seven important minerals including folate, iron, magnesium, B-vitamins, and protein. They’re also low in calories and, on their own, contain no fat.
Even on their own they make a great meal, and this is one of my favorite, super easy recipes for curried lentils.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups lentils
  • 2 1/2 cups water (enough to cover lentils by an excess of 2″)
  • 1.5 tbsp coconut oil
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tbsp cumin
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped onions, 2 cloves minced garlic, cilantro.

Instructions

  1. Add lentils and water to a medium-sized saucepan. Bring to a boil and skim the foam off the top.
  2. Boil, covered, until the consistency of porridge and water has been absorbed (depending on the size of your lentils, 20-55 minutes).
  3. Optional: saute onions and minced garlic in a separate saucepan with 1 tbsp coconut oil.
  4. Remove lentils from heat and add in coconut oil, spices and, if using, onion and garlic.
  5. Serve alone, over vegetables and/or rice. Garnish with cilantro (and I used sun-dried tomatoes in this photo).