Vegetarians (and omnivores) rejoice! If you haven’t discovered the deliciousness of lentils yet, get on board. They’re a popular alternative to split-peas that can be used in side dishes and main entrees.
This recipe for lentil couscous is super healthy and your kids will love it! It’s all vegan, but it’ll be popular with vegetarians and meat-eaters because of its slightly nutty flavor and meat-like texture. Lentils are high in protein and fiber and when you mix them with cous-cous, you’re getting a complete protein (with ALL of the amino acids!), much like the traditional rice and beans combo.
Vegetarians have known for years that lentils are delicious and nutritious, so try them out!
Lentil Couscous Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Chopped onions
- Chopped red bell pepper
- 1 package cooked lentils
- Chopped tomato
- Chopped baby spinach
- 1 can rinsed and drained garbanzo beans/chick peas
- 1 1/2 cups of Israeli couscous
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups of water
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: cumin or cayenne pepper
- Optional: fresh parsley or fresh basil
Directions
Start with the oil in the pot with the onions and peppers. Sweat those veggies until the raw taste is out. Then add in the cooked lentils.
For the first round of seasoning, add just a little salt and pepper. Let the mixture cook for a couple minutes.
Add one chopped tomato and a couple handfuls of chopped baby spinach. You can also use chopped parsley or basil for an herbal flavor boost. Add one can of rinsed and drained garbanzo beans (aka chick peas).
Mix all together with 1 1/2 cups of Israeli cous cous, 1 tbsp of tomato paste (just for some color). For the last round of seasoning, use a little more salt and cayenne pepper or cumin (if you want it).
Top the pot off with two cups of water. Get the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for 15 to 17 minutes.
Add chopped green scallions for a little extra crunch and flavor. Let it cook off the raw flavor, and then it is ready to serve!
This creamy, healthy dish is good as a side or a main dish, hot or cold. Get your kids to take one bite and they’ll keep coming back for more! It’s also a great dish to pull out for a Mommys’ Lunch with your friends.
Want to watch Michelle Karam take you through this recipe step by step? Check out the video below – and be sure to take a look at all the other great cooking videos on the ModernMom YouTube Channel.
