Turmeric Lentils

Easy to make, simple ingredients and make sure to DOUBLE the batch because you’ll definitely want to have leftovers 🙂 Try out this DELICIOUS recipe!

IMG_7933.jpg

I like to make mine a little less “soupy” and a little more “mushy” 🙂

Lentil soups, cold lentil salads, lentil burgers…you name it. I make at least one of these recipes weekly! One of my two favorite combinations are ginger/turmeric cooked in lentil soups. I found a recipe quite similar to the one that I make for myself on a regular basis, except I like to add tomato sauce (instead of vegetable broth), extra veggies (like green peppers, carrots, zucchini, etc.).

LENTILS:

{High in fiber, lentils help regulate blood sugar which in turn helps to protect the heart from inflammation. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and has been shown to lower cholesterol, while tomatoes are high in lycopene, an antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks.}

Ingredients:

  • 1½ cups lentils, rinsed and soaked for 2 hours
  • 2 tablespoons organic extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, finely grated
  • 1-inch piece of turmeric, finely grated (or 1 tablespoon ground turmeric)
  • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds, crushed
  • ½ teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 box crushed tomatoes
  • 2½ cups low sodium vegetable broth
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley

Directions:

Rinse and soak lentils for 2 hours, drain.

Heat the olive oil and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft.

Add all herbs and spices except the parsley, and sauté.

Add the lentils and sauté a few minutes, until coated with the herb mixture.

Add the vegetable broth and tomatoes, and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Makes 4 servings

Your heart will thank you for this cardiovascular-boosting day of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Eating a diet full of heart-healthy foods will help protect your heart, and may even reverse some elements of heart disease. Note: Consult your cardiologist before changing your diet if you are currently being treated for heart disease.

website + article: (http://www.chopra.com/ccl/heart-healthy-foods-3-recipes-for-a-strong-ticker)

Cheers,

Cess