cooking

[azulai]

So this is a recipe I got from Runner's World. I've been wanting to try lentils because of the protein but I had no idea how to cook them. This recipe had two of my favorites: spinach and mushrooms so I decided to give it a try. I thought it was great! Had the leftovers tonight and it warms up great. It's super easy.

Lentils and Rice
½ package lentils
½ box of instant brown rice
1 cup thinly sliced onions
1 cup spinach
½ cup sliced baby mushrooms
2 tablespoon of golden raisins

Cook the lentils by simmering in water for 20 minutes. When the lentils are almost cooked, microwave your rice and heat up a small amount of olive oil in a large pan to sauté the vegetables.

Add the onions to the pan first. As they turn golden, add mushrooms and then the spinach last. Once the spinach begins to wilt, mix in the lentils and rice.

Add the raisin for the last two minutes. After mixing all ingredients, add cinnamon, salt, and pepper to taste.

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Problems I had.
>The recipe didn't say how much water to cook the lentils in, but I used about 3 cups. When I tasted them, they needed salt so I added a ½ tsp of salt while they were cooking.
>We had just bought a bag of brown rice, not instant, so I had to adjust things and get the rice started first. Not a big deal but thought I'd mention you didn't have to use instant.
>I packed the measuring cup with spinach but I think I'll add more next time. It kind of disappeared. But, I might have over cooked it.
>Eat as soon as it's done, because it thickens really fast.
>We sprinkled the cinnamon on a sample and tasted rather than just adding it to the whole thing. It was good but we preferred it WITHOUT the cinnamon.
>The raisins make this dish! I had never cooked with raisins before and was blown away. It doesn't contain a lot of them but when you get one in a bite it's a little surprise and delicious!
>Makes approximately 4 servings.

Definitely making this one again! :biggrin: