Sunday, February 15, 2009

Honey Baked Lentils

Confession time... before yesterday, I had never even tasted lentils. I've heard so many great things about them- such as they are very high in protein, fiber, iron, zinc and calcium. I had picked up a bag several months ago with good intentions, but they just sat in my pantry. They seemed so... bland and uninspiring. I had no clue what to make with them. And then, yesterday, I ran across this recipe and decided to try it. I'm so glad I did as it turned out SO yummy!

Honey Baked Lentils

1 cup lentils
2 cups water
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp ginger
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
salt & pepper to taste

Combine the above in a baking dish, cover and bake at 350* until tender (~ 1.5 hours).

That's it! How much simpler can it get? You can pop it in the oven shortly after breakfast and have a hearty, filling lunch that will keep you going all afternoon. Or serve as a savory side dish with dinner.

What our family has to say:
* Momma: Two thumbs up! Healthy, simple, inexpensive and tasty! I can see myself making this quite frequently.
* Abbie: Bravely tried it, but didn't like it. She had a PB&J sandwich right beforehand, so she just might have been full.
* Isaiah: Absolutely loved it, and came back for seconds and thirds! He can be pretty picky with vegetables, so I'm glad we can add this nutritious food to his diet.

What's YOUR favorite way to eat lentils?

12 comments:

Danielle said...

sounds great! i will have to give it a try.

Petite Planet said...

these sound delicious! so excited to try them, thanks so much!

Amy @ Six Flower Mom said...

I have only had lentils a few times and never prepared by me ... I think I will try this recipe today -- can I post it with a link to you on my recipe blog?

Laura said...

Yummers. I couldn't tell you how it's done, but my fave is served at a local Indian food restaurant. It's like buttery, but it's not made with actual butter, if that makes any sense. If you like Indian food, try the lentils.

Amy @ Six Flower Mom said...

Okay so I have to tell you this ... I decided I would whip this up for dinner ... so I did BUT what I realized after it had been in the oven awhile is that when I grabbed the bag of lentils from the pantry -- I really grabbed the bag of split-peas ... it was still yummy!

Anonymous said...

I have never had lentils except in soup. We eat beans all the time, so I am excited to try these in a fun new way!! Thanks for sharing!

Kelly said...

Oh my gosh I am making these! I have been looking for a lentil recipe, and all I have to do is substitute wheat-free tamari sauce for soy sauce. Awesome! Thanks!

Heiney said...

This is the same way I make them, almost. I add a little more honey and a smidge of molasses. Yk, gotta get those healthy bits in where I can! The kids love it though.

Anonymous said...

This sounds yummy... and I'm always looking to add to my legume arsenal:)

Anonymous said...

Mm! This sounds delicious! I usually curry my lentils but I am always looking for new simple vegetarian dishes. Thanks for this!

Jackie Lee said...

This sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing it with me on twitter. I love to make lentil soup. My recipe has kielbasa, potato and tomato. YUM. :) I have some leftover lentils we'll try this soon.

Jen @ Rolling Through Looneyville said...

totally have this in my oven right now. It's been open on my tabs for several days but I hadn't made them. I love lentils. Hubs is a recent convert and the girls? well... let's just say I'm hoping they like it so I'm not eating lentils for 4 days straight.

Hope you're well! Sending hugs

-@monsterchew