Red Lentil Curry

This dish is classic Indian. Served over rice it is filling and delicious!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook time : 30 minutes
Ready in : 40 Minutes
Yields: 12 servings
Cost: approx. $4.25

3 cups red lentils ($1.50)
1 large onion diced ($.50)
3 tablespoons curry paste ($1.00)
1 1/2 tablespoons curry powder
1 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 small cans of tomato puree ($1.25)

1. Rinse lentils until water runs clear, cover with water and simmer covered until tender. Add more water as needed.

2. Meanwhile in large skillet, caramelize onions in vegetable oil.

3. Combine all other ingredients and then add to cooked onions. cook over high heat 1-2 minutes and then simmer until lentils are ready.

4. When lentils are tender, drain and mix into curry base. Serve.

This dish could be easily frozen, thawed and reheated.


The verdict is in...

3 Thumbs up. 6 Thumbs down.

Sean and I thought that it was right on- as good as an Indian restaraunt. John ate it, too. But the others thought that the curry taste was too strong. We'll try again when they are older.

Lentil Quiche

I found this recipe here, but adapted a few things to make it serve more and to use what we already had available in our pantry.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 -10
Cost: approx. $3.25


1 cup chopped onion ($.50)
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup dried lentils ($.50)
2 cups water
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) ($.75)
1/2 can stewed tomatoes drained and chopped ($.25)
5 eggs, beaten ($.50)
1 cup milk ($.25)
1 teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (optional) ($.50)

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
   

2. Saute onions in butter until soft.

3. Place the lentils and water into a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Drain most of the water off, then place the broccoli florets on top of the lentils. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes.

4. Transfer the lentils, broccoli and tomatoes to the pie plate with the onions, and stir. Stir cheese in at this time if using.

5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour over the ingredients in a 10 inch pie plate.

6. Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the center is firm. Cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

The verdict is in...

9 Thumbs up, 0 Thumbs down.

Everyone ate it without complaints. According to Hannah, "The beans weren't so bad this time since there were only a few."

Lentil and Sausage Soup

I had this soup recently at an Italian restaurant and loved it! I was thrilled to find this recipe and to be able to adapt it for our taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours
Ready in: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yields: 10 servings
Cost: approx. $4.75 (without pasta)

1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage ($1.75)
1 large onion, chopped ($.50)
1 stalk celery, chopped finely ($.10)
1 Tablespoon garlic chopped
16 ounces red lentils rinsed ($1.50)
1 carrot shredded ($.10)
14 cups water
4 Tablespoon chicken soup stock base ($.25)
1 small can diced tomatoes ($.50)
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
2 Bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1. Brown sausage in large pot. Add onion, celery and garlic. Saute. Stir in lentils, carrot, water, soup base, and tomatoes. Add all other seasonings. Bring to boil and reduce heat. Cover and summer for 2 /12 to 3 hours.
2. Add 1/2 pound of pasta if desired and cook 15-20 minutes longer.

This could be cooled and frozen in a zip lock. Unthaw at room temperature and reheat.

The results are in...

5 thumbs up. 3 neither up or down. 1 thumb down.

I really should work on presentation, I know.