How to cook Lentils

I sat down to write a new series of blog posts for Christmas and decided instead that so much from last year's posts still applies that instead I would update last year's posts. Hope you can find something useful!

 How to cook Lentils

 Cooking lentils is a great way to break into the dry bean game. They don't require any soaking, so you can cook a batch of lentils in half an hour and have them ready for dinner or for the rest of the week. They have kind of a peppery taste, so are great additions to foods that have strong flavors.

1. Rinse and drain dry lentils
2. Cook on stove top, using 3 cups of water for every one cup of beans
3. Bring to a boil
4. Cover and turn down to a simmer (barely bubbling) for 15-20 minutes

• Be sure not to season or salt the lentils until after cooking or they will be tough
  

You can cook just enough to make 1 meal, or you can measure and cook a whole bag at one time and refrigerate or freeze the rest to use later.

                                                

  As December rolls on and we are gathering our gifts for our favorite people, we find ourselves having less and less in the bank account. Knowing that, for this month, I have been planning a lot more meatless meals so that I can use the money I would have spent on meat on presents. I love giving presents, so the temporary sacrifice on meat is totally worth it for me.

  For those that work physically demanding jobs, they need protein, and sometimes lots of it. Beans are a great substitute for meat, or you can use them to stretch your meat. We add 3/4 cup of cooked lentils to each pound of hamburger and they seem to just blend right in. We use this lentil mix in tacos and sloppy joes and I add lentils to pot pies.

  As the days quickly close in on Christmas, I hope you are able to find ways to celebrate your family and Jesus, Merry Christmas!