Spicy lentils with peppers& tomatoes

 
                   SPICY LENTILS WITH PEPPERS & TOMATOES
 
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 Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :0:00
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   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
                         -----JUDI M. PHELPS-----
      3/4   lb           Brown or green lentils
                         -washed and picked over
                         -(approximately 2 cups)
    6       c             -- water
    1                    Bay leaf
                         Salt
    1       tb           Olive oil
    1       lg           Onion -- chopped
    2       cl           Garlic -- minced or put
                         -through a garlic press
    1                    Green pepper -- seeded and
                         -chopped
    2                    Hot chili peppers -- seeded
                         -and finely chopped
    1 1/2   lb           Fresh tomatoes -- seeded and
                         -finely chopped OR
    1 1/2   lb           Canned tomatoes -- drain juice
                         Freshly ground pepper
    3       tb           To 4 T cilantro -- chopped
                         Juice of 1/2 lemon
                         -optional
 
   Combine the lentils, water, and bay leaf in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan
   and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 30 to 40 minutes,
   until the lentils are tender.  Add salt to taste.  Drain and retain some of
   the cooking liquid.
   
   Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or casserole and add the
   onion and garlic.  Saute over medium-low heat until the onion is tender and
   beginning to color.  Add the green pepper and chili peppers and saute
   another 5-10 minutes until the pepper is tender and add the tomatoes and
   drained lentils.  Add a little bit of cooking liquid from the lentils if
   the mixture seems dry.  Simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes. Season
   to taste with more salt and pepper, stir in the cilantro and lemon juice if
   desired, and serve, or allow to cool and serve chilled.
   
   This dish will keep for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.  Serves 6-8.
   
   Per portion:  189 calories, fat 2 g, sodium 12 mg, protein 13 g,
   carbohydrate 31 g, cholesterol 0.  Source:  Mediterranean Light by Martha
   Rose Shulman.
   
   Shared and MM by Judi M. Phelps, Moderator, alt.creative-cook and
   alt.creative-cooking conferences.
  
 
 
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