Lentils!

Contributed by -^-^spectrum-^^- (spectrum@magenta.com)

Sensitive Guy recipe:

They're cheap (ca. $0.70US/lb, unless you buy them in the "ethnic" section of stores). They're nutritious, and fairly high in protein. You can alter the flavor readily. They were the Roman legions' marching ration, and cooked much as described here. Worcestershire is the closest readily available approximation to the Romans' "garum" fish sauce (though actually Worcestershire is a British approximation to an Indian sauce from the 1800's, and probably sweeter that garum was).

Directions

Saute until well-cooked (starting to turn dark brown) to make them sweet:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Rinse well, then add to pot:

• 1/2 c green or brown lentils

Add:

• 1 c water
• 1/2 lb diced sausage, pre-cooked if needed (optional)
• 1 Tbs Worcestershire sauce

Simmer 30 minutes or so, until the lentils are tender. Add more water if needed, but they should not end up soupy.

Season with your choice of one of the spices below:

• black pepper
• oregano and basil
• chili pepper
• curry powder (real garam masala if you have it)
• (for the last two, add fresh cilantro before serving)

This goes well with rice, potatoes or cornbread. It lasts several days in the fridge, but does not freeze well.

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This page last updated 12/02/1999

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