Lentils!

While living in CO I purchased a cookbook which was to become one of my favorite cookbooks of all time, Southern Living Slow Cooker Recipes. In that cookbook was a recipe that normally I would have just flipped right past but for some reason caught my eye. The recipe was Spanish Style Lentils and Rice, and that recipe started my infatuation with lentils. Yeah, I know you're sitting there going, "Lentils? Seriously?" But hang on a second. They're cheap, they're good for you, and most importantly my family loves them.

So, here you go, my family's favorite lentil recipes. Try one and you may be surprised.

Spanish Style Lentils and Rice

*This is great used in place of taco meat.

1 c dried lentils

1 c uncooked brown rice

1 onion chopped

1 green pepper chopped

2 cans chicken broth

1 can ro-tel

1 tsp salt

1 tsp chili powder

½ tsp cumin

¼ tsp garlic powder

1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Soak lentils for 8 hours, drain and rinse. You really do have to check them thoroughly, they are a product that isn't messed with in any way. Occasionally you may find a rock.

Add rice and next 8 ingredients. Cook on low for 4 hours or until tender. Stir in cheese and serve immediately.

*I find that my "new" crock pot cooks too high, even on low. Watch the time on this, it will be done faster than 4 hours if you use a "new" crock pot.

Herbed Lentils and Rice

Recipe found here... http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Herbed-Lentils-and-Rice/Detail.aspx

I have made many variations of this recipe, added chicken, added ground bison, changed the swiss cheese for cheddar. Very good served with chicken, pork, or fish. Also good reheated. This is a staple in our house.

Dal Makhani

Recipe found here... http://steamykitchen.com/10989-indian-dal-nirvana.html

My kids go nuts for this! We eat this with a green salad and steamed rice, clean plates all around. Easy to prepare and cheap!