“Lentils are friendly–the Miss Congeniality of the bean world.”  Laurie Colwin

How are you doing with incorporating more beans into your diet?

…brought bedding and bowls and articles of pottery. They also brought wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans and lentils,  (2 Samuel 17:28; NIV)

We’re in our third week of the “bean” month.  Today’s recipe features the lovely lentil.  Some might say, “The lowly lentil.”  Lentils aren’t the “prettiest” kids on the block with their greenish-brown color.  However, they are mighty in nutritional value even though they’re small.  Sounds like Mighty Mouse. 

Their high fiber content helps to prevent blood sugar levels from rising rapidly after a meal.   Lentils also provide good amounts of several important minerals such as molybdenum, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus, and two B-vitamins.  Here is an interesting excerpt from a well-known website:  “Lentils are to India as meat loaf is to America: the quintessential comfort food. Ranging from yellow and red to deep black, these tiny disc-shaped members of the legume family are eaten in some form at least twice a day in ‘any self-respecting Indian household,’ says Kavita Mehta, founder of the Web-based Indian Foods Co.”

Most people are probably familiar with lentil soup or stew.  Today’s recipe of Lentil Walnut Loaf might be a stretch for some.  During our vegetarian days, I experimented with many ways of using lentils.  They’re economical and high in protein.  Today’s loaf uses a number of vegetables to add flavor to the lentils.  The addition of eggs and bread crumbs helps to bind the loaf together and the walnuts add a nice crunch.  Don’t use processed, packaged bread crumbs.  They’re loaded with artificial ingredients and preservatives.  I easily made crumbs in the food processor using spelt, sourdough bread.

Lentils don’t have to be soaked as other legumes do such as black beans and pinto beans.  However, soaking does shorten the cooking time and make them easier to digest.  Adding the tomato based topping also brings out the flavor of the lentils.  Grated cheese could also be used as a topping instead of the tomato sauce.  The loaf does stay together but it doesn’t necessarily provide firm, meat-like slices.  Enjoy some Lovely Lentil Loaf this evening.

Prayer Power
Father, we are so grateful for Your goodness to us.  Thank You for Your mercy and Your grace.  We are in awe of Your beautiful creation and the bounty of healthful food that You have provided for us.

Link of the Day
Lentil Walnut Loaf

Blessings on you as you experiment with incorporating more legumes into your diet.

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