Lentils... Such a great dry food to have on hand in any kitchen.
Lentils contain high levels of proteins... lentils also contain dietary fiber.Health magazine has selected lentils as one of the five healthiest foods. Lentils are often mixed with grains, such as rice [We eat quinoa, unlike wheat or rice (which are low in lysine), quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it an unusually complete protein source among plant foods] which results in a complete protein dish. Lentils are one of the best vegetable sources of iron. This makes them an important part of a vegetarian diet, and useful for preventing iron deficiency. Iron is particularly important for adolescents and pregnant women, whose requirements for it are increased.
The other day I was cooking, and I decided that it was pasta night. Now the decision was how to get some protein? Well I boiled up some lentils and tossed them into the pasta sauce. A great to make a fake meat sauce. The girls ate this up! They loved it. For everyone that shares houses with a vegetarian, with this meal you won't miss the meat. You will actually feel better after.
Here is a quick overview of what I did.
1 cup lentils, add about 1.25 cups of water and boil, they should be done right around when the water is mostly gone. Spice as needed. (Depends on what you are adding them to.)
I try to get a very hardy organic pasta sauce.
Mix!
* Recently I have supplemented nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese as well. (Ummm what?? Nutritional yeast is a source of protein and vitamins, especially the B-complex vitamins and is a complete protein. It is also naturally low in fat and sodium.)
Okay adults want to go that extra yard in nutrition, eat healthy and still enjoy pasta night without carbs?
Use the everything above.
Now take a zucchini, get your vegetable peeler and get rid of the green skin. Now start peeling strips into a bowl. This is now your pasta. Make about one squash per serving. Heat each serving slightly... Add sauce.
-- Done --
Now that is a tasty nutritional pasta night! You will never miss those extra carbs in pasta.
Want to know more or other hints or recipes? Make a comment and I can respond.
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