Mediterranean Lentils Recipes

SLOW COOKER MEDITERRANEAN LENTIL STEW

Steps:

• Warm water and vegetable bouillon in a slow cooker on High until dissolved. Add lentils, carrots, and potatoes.
• Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add cumin and coriander and cook and stir until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Add oil, followed by onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and transfer to the slow cooker. Stir. Add tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Stir in spinach.
• Cook on High, stirring every 30 minutes, until lentils are tender and stew has thickened, 3 to 4 hours.

MEDITERRANEAN LENTILS

Steps:

• sort and rinse lentils.
• cook in unsalted water, enough to cover plus one inch, over medium heat until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
• drain liquid, reserving 1 cup.
• add back 1/2 cup liquid and spinach leaves, cover pot and cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until spinach is wilted and mixed into lentils, about 3 minutes.
• add remainder of reserved liquid, lemon juice, olive oil and dried mint.
• continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed, 5-10 minutes.
• add salt and pepper to taste.

MEDITERRANEAN LENTIL PURéE

Steps:

• Combine 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the garlic in a small frying pan or saucepan over medium heat. When the garlic begins to sizzle, add the spices. Stir together for about 30 seconds, then remove from the heat and set aside.
• Place the lentils in a medium saucepan, cover by 1 to 2 inches with water, add a bay leaf, and bring to a boil. Add salt to taste, reduce the heat and cook until tender, 40 to 50 minutes. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt. Place a strainer over a bowl and drain the lentils. Transfer to a food processor fitted with the steel blade.
• Purée the lentils along with the garlic and spices. With the machine running add the additional olive oil. Thin out as desired with the broth from the lentils. The purée should be very smooth; if it is dry or pasty, add more yogurt, broth, or olive oil. Taste and adjust salt. If desired add a few drops of lemon juice. Transfer to a bowl and sprinkle the cilantro over the top if desired, or spread directly on croutons or pita triangles.

MEDITERRANEAN LENTIL SALAD

Steps:

• In a saucepan combine lentils, carrots, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme. Add enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until lentils are tender but not mushy.
• Drain lentils and vegetables and remove bay leaf. Add olive oil, lemon juice, celery, parsley, salt and pepper. Toss to mix and serve at room temperature.