Sauteed lentils and zucchini- a jack of all trades
Many of you know that I have been a vegetarian for over 25 years so I am always incorporating some kind of natural protein source whenever I can in my meals. I’ve always loved legumes as they are versatile and can be prepared in countless ways.
Although I love all kinds of beans and chickpeas, the legume that it’s most dear to me is undoubtedly lentils: they don’t require night long pre-soaking and they deliver an incredible amount of protein, fibers and iron- a vegetarian’s dream!
Ingredients- serves 4- 6
2 tbsp evoo
1 large yellow onion (can substitute with leeks or shallots), diced
2 garlic cloves, minced + 1 peeled
1 bay leaf
1 cup french green lentils
2 medium zucchini, quartered and diced
1 tsp turmeric (optional)
5 sage leaves
salt and pepper to taste
Cook the lentils: soak lentils in water for a couple of minutes and drain after removing any lentils that are floating on the surface. Bring a saucepan of water to boil after adding 1 peeled garlic clove and 1 bay leaf. Boil lentils until al dente (about 18 min but check at 15), drain and discard garlic and bay leaf.
While lentils are cooking, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, deep sauté pan. Add the onions and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions start to get some colour, 7-8 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another 3-4 minutes.
Add the turmeric, zucchini and sage leaves and sauté at medium- high heat, stirring frequently, for 7- 8 minutes. Adjust salt.
Add lentils and sauté for few more minutes, until zucchini are fully cooked. If the zucchini/lentil mix is getting too dry, add a little of vegetable stock or hot water . Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
The simple yet delicious lentil-zucchini combo is one of those dinner’s savers that can be prepared in no time and used in different ways:
as is as a side dish
used as a pasta sauce (whole wheat or spelt pasta work very well with the earthiness and rusticity of brown lentils)
as a base for a farro or quinoa salad
Enjoy!