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Lentils of the Southwest

Prep time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

What you need:

  • 1/2 cup lentils (any color)
  • 2 cups water
  • 3/4 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped onion
  • 3/4 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3/4 teaspoon mild ground red chili (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/3 cup diced tomatoes, canned or fresh
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped, fresh cilantro

What to do:

  1. Combine the lentils and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the lentils until tender, about an hour. If needed, add more water.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté the onion and garlic in the olive oil for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
  4. Stir in the cumin, ground red chili (optional), and chili powder.
  5. Add onion-garlic-spice mixture to the cooked lentils.
  6. Stir in the tomatoes and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
  7. Just before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro.

Nutritional analysis (per serving):

  • 60 calories
  • 4g protein
  • 0.5g fat
  • 0g sat. fat
  • 10g carbohydrate
  • 3g fiber
  • 0mg cholesterol
  • 210mg sodium
  • 1g sugars

Serves: 6

Serving size:1/6 recipe

Date reviewed: November 2015