Lentil Extravaganza, Figs, and 25, 25, 25

I recently read in Don't (White)Sugar Coat It's blog that she bought 30 lbs of bananas at a the Haymarket Farmers' Market last weekend. I thought, "wow, that is a LOT of potassium" and "what could one person do with all of those bananas?".

Then I bought 5 pounds of lentils. One CUP of lentils can practically feed an army, but when I saw these perfectly bagged one pounders, I had to buy one of each.

I ended up with French green lentils, large green lentils, red lentils, small green lentils, and some yellow split peas (not exactly lentils, but made for a colorful display!)

What's the big deal about lentils?

Well, one-half cup of lentils provides the following:

• 115 calories
• 1 gram of fat
• 20 grams of carbohydrate, 8 grams of fiber
• a WHOPPING 9 grams of protein!
• 15-20 percent of the average DV for iron

This qualifies as a superfood to me.

So how do you eat lentils?

This protein-rich, iron-rich food is tasty with some veggies sauteed in, over rice. They are also good in soups. Some lentils keep their shape after cooking; others don't. Be sure to buy the appropriate ones for the recipe you're cooking.

Coconut Curry Lentils and Brown Rice

For a delicious, filling dish, try lentils and rice.

I saute shallots or onions and garlic in 1 Tbsp olive oil until soft. Add 1 shredded carrot, 1 small zucchini and saute another 5 minutes. Add water to vegetable mixture. Water:lentils should be in a 2:1 ratio. Once water is boiling, add lentils, bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer for 20-30 minutes (depending on the lentils you cook). While lentils are cooking, cook brown rice in another pot. I like Lundberg Basmati brown rice for this recipe. After lentils have simmered for 15 minutes, add 1/2 can light coconut milk. Add 1 Tbsp curry powder and a chipotle pepper or red pepper flakes. Once lentils are completely done, add remainder of coconut milk and stir. I use Trader Joe's Light Coconut Milk.

Serve lentils over brown rice. I served myself a sliced fig on the side, too. A cool, soft bite to the spicy, cumin-y flavor of the lentils.

25, 25, 25

Aug 4 - 21 days until 25: Read. Read novels, newspapers, romances, blogs, encyclopedias, dictionaries, mysteries, children's books, the quotes on coffee cups. Reading stimulates the mind, inspires new ideas and ways of thinking, and keeps you fresh and up-to-date on what's going on. My reading list includes some foodie fiction, Henry David Thoreau, a bunch of blogs, the daily newspaper, non-fiction books about food policy and the American food system and a historical/informative book about hiking in Massachusetts.

My favorite children's book? Imogene's Antlers.

Question: What's your favorite children's book?