Lentil & Cheese Bake

This is my oldest recipe. I acquired this recipe when I was about 18yrs old. Every time I make it I get praise for it because it is extremely luscious…and very very healthy. It serves 4 and is an excellent dish for Vegetarians. We always have it with a salad, but it can also be served with warm vegies. It is really really nice cold too. So if you have leftovers (we never do lol) then just pop it in the fridge for lunch tomorrow.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup green lentils
• 1 and 1/2 cups grated tasty cheese
• 1 and 1/2 tsp vegemite
• Salt and pepper
• 1 stick celery chopped fine
• 1 cup red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 onions, chopped fine
• 2 eggs
• 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced

Method:

1. Cook the lentils in boiling water for about 20mins. Drain and place in a large bowl
2. Place onions in a saucepan on the stove. Add 1/4 cup water, some salt and pepper and stir often. Cook for about 10mins until they are clear. I do this instead of frying - it eliminates the need for oil!
3. Place the onions and beaten eggs in the bowl with the lentils and mix through
4. Add and mix through the vegemite, celery, beans and 1 cup of the grated cheese (set the other 1/2 cup aside
5. Pour the mixture into a loaf tin which has been sprayed with spray oil. Flatten the mixture out
6. Lay the sliced tomatoes over the top, then the remaining grated cheese
7. Bake in a 200 degrees oven for 35 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and brown

D-E-L-icious  XD

Red Lentil & Carrot Soup

This recipe is easy, fast, tasty and extremely healthy. It serves 4. Serve with or without the bread. If your tummy can handle dairy, a small dash of natural Greek yoghurt is nice on top.

Ingredients:

• 4 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup red lentils
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 litre liquid chicken stock. Do not use chicken powder - it is NOT NATURAL!!!
• 1 litre water
• Salt & pepper to taste

Method:

1. Place all ingredients in a large saucepan and stir
2. Bring to the boil, then turn down and simmer for 15 minutes
3. Blend in a blender or food processor
4. Serve with a small piece of either sour dough or gluten free bread

D-E-L-icious  XD

Spicy Lentil Soup

This is totally vegetarian and totally delicious. I made this for the first time for my daughter a few weeks back and she loved it. It serves 4 and can be frozen for later. Nice served with a piece of crusty bread stick.

Ingredients:

• 250g red lentils
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 3 tsp Thai red curry paste
• 1 red capsicum, chopped
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 1litre vegetable stock

Method:

1. Wash and soak lentils for at least 30 minutes
2. In a large pan, fry garlic, onions and ginger until soft in a bit of oil
3. Add cumin and curry paste, stir for a few minutes
4. Add capsicum, tomatoes and carrots
5. Add salt & pepper
6. Add lentils
7. Stir for 5 minutes then add stock
8. Cook on low heat for 30 minutes
9. Allow to cool
10. Transfer small amounts to blender and puree
11. Place in saucepan to reheat for a further 5 minutes
12. Serve with crusty bread.

D-E-L-icious  XD