Lentils

I love lentils. Not only are they delicious, but they are a great source of fiber and protein. They are also easier to cook than beans because they do not need to be soaked and are ready in about 1 hour. Here is my favorite lentil recipe....

one small onion - chopped fine
one large or two small stalks of celery - chopped fine
one large or two small carrots - chopped fine
4 cloves of garlic minced
1 tbsp of olive or grapeseed oil
1 lb package of lentils -sorted and rinsed
black pepper
6 cups of water
2 bay leaves
salt
Parmesan cheese (optional)

Heat oil in medium to large pot and saute onion until translucent, add celery, carrots and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Saute for a a couple of minutes, add garlic and saute or a minute or two longer. Add lentils, bay leaves and water. Heat until boiling then simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. Add a dash of salt and more pepper to taste. You can serve these with Parmesan cheese if desired. Delicious and healthy!!