Lentils are one of the easiest and most versatile food to cook. They are easier on the tummy than their cousins – beans – and they come in so many forms and colors. Just by adding different veggies or herbs into a lentil stew, you can transform it into something totally different. So, go ahead and experiment with green, brown or red lentils (the latter will cook very fast). Puree it if you like for a very warming, filling soup or a stew.
Make a big pot of lentils and freeze it up in glass containers for future meals to save time and money. Lentils keep well in the freezer for 6 months.
Lentils are extremely high in protein; this is why vegetarians use them to get a complete meal when served over rice or any grain like amaranth or quinoa. They are also rich in folic acid, which is another key micronutrient essential for balancing the hormones.
This stew can be frozen and can also be used as base and served with roasted chicken (just add the chicken piece to the stew). If you are hyperthyroid, you can also add spinach, chard and kale to the final cooking step, and let them be cooked by the warmth of the stew. You can also add fresh vegetables like watercress to the leftover soup that has been reheated to give it new flavors and textures.
Health Benefits
Lentils are rich in folate and iron, apart from this, they are an excellent source of protein while being low in calories.
Ingredients
1 lb or 450g brown lentils
4 large carrots, chopped
4 medium celery sticks, chopped
3 small yellow potatoes (skip if following Thyroid-GAPS diet)
1 bay leaf
2 tsp chopped fresh thyme or 4 teaspoons dry thyme
1 large yellow onion
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
3 tsp sea salt
1 lemon, juice
freshly ground black pepper
2 cups or 500g chicken stock
2/3 cup cilantro, chopped
1 cup parsley, chopped
How To Make Spanish Lentil Stew
- It is recommended that you soak the lentils overnight – this is to remove the physic acid which is often a problem for people with digestive issues. If you are not experiencing digestive issues, rinsing the lentils will do.
- Put the lentils in a pot with 10 cups of filtered water, add vegetables (carrots, sweet potato, celery) and bay leaf.
- Bring water to boil and lower the heat to simmer for about 1 hour.
- Meantime, sauté the onions in oil until soft, then add garlic and continue sautéing till brow.
- Add the onions and garlic to your soup as it simmers.
- Add chicken stock, lemon juice, cumin and salt in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Turn off the heat and add cilantro and parsley.
- Correct the seasoning with salt, pepper or cumin.
Trivia
In Judaism, lentils are considered to be a food for mourners because of their round shape symbolizing the circle of life, and majority has grown with this mind set.