Crockpot Recipe: Moroccan Lentil Squash Stew

This is the perfect fall one-pot dinner, with hearty fall veggies like squash and potatoes paired with warm lentils and curry. It has loads of flavor, and can be put on to cook in the morning, and you'll have dinner hot and ready when evening comes!

Moroccan Lentil Squash Stew
(Serves 6-8.)

Ingredients:

1 cup dried lentils, sorted and rinsed
1 lb. butternut squash, peeled and cubed
10 small new red potatoes, scrubbed and halved
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, grated
2 cans (14 oz size) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 Tbsp curry powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups water
1 pkg (8 oz) frozen cut green beans, thawed (or fresh, cut and steamed for 10 minutes)

Ingredients:

• Combine all ingredients EXCEPT green beans in crockpot, stirring gently.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours or until lentils are tender.
• Add green beans during last 30 minutes of cooking time, stirring to combine.

Recipe: Indian Spiced Lentils And Brown Rice

This hearty one-pot meal brings flavors of the Orient to your dinner table, with lots of pungent spices, brown rice, and lentils, and makes a good "Meatless Monday" recipe, or an excellent side dish for an Indian meal. This one may be adapted to the crockpot, or will cook fine on the stovetop in just about any type of pot.

Indian Spiced Lentils And Brown Rice
(Serves 2-3 as a main dish, or 6-8 as a side dish.)

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced small
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cardamon
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup brown rice
1/2 cup lentils, rinsed
2 1/2 cups water
1 Tbsp heavy cream (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large pot, put the butter and olive oil over medium heat, stirring until butter is melted.
2. Add the onion and cook just until softened, stirring often.
3. Add the salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamon, and bay leaf, stir and cook for 1 minute, then add the brown rice and lentils, stirring to combine. 
4. Add the water, stir, turn heat to low, and cover the pot.
5. Simmer for 45 to 55 minutes or until the lentils and rice are tender and liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream if desired. Serve immediately.

Gluten-Free Recipe: Sweet Spiced Apple Lentil Casserole

This hearty gluten-free recipe is like curry in a casserole - flavored with apples, coconut, and spices, it brings an oriental twist to regular old lentils. It makes a great stick-to-your-ribs meal for a cold winter night!

Sweet Spiced Apple Lentil Casserole - Gluten Free
(Serves 4-6.)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups lentils, rinsed and drained
2 1/2 cups water
2 Tbsp cooking oil
3 cloves garlic, grated
1 stalk celery, diced
1 large onion, diced
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp powdered ginger
1/2 tsp turmeric
2 large green apples, cored/diced

Directions:

1. Put lentils in a large pot with water, cover and simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes or until tender.
2. Meanwhile, put oil in a heavy skillet, add all the remaining ingredients (except apples) and cook over low heat, stirring often, until vegetables are tender; about 15 minutes. Add the apples to the skillet, stir, and cook for 10 minutes more or until apples are softened slightly; remove skillet from heat.
3. When lentils are cooked and tender, add the lentils to the mixture, stir, then turn out into a large casserole dish.
4. Bake (uncovered) in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes or until mixture is bubbling hot.
5. Serve immediately. 

Recipe - Crunchy Lentil And Chickpea Veggie Toss

You may think of beans as being a winter food - soups, stews, chilis, etc. But beans are so versatile they can go great in lots of summer dishes as well. From easy burritos and wraps (like our Quick Burrito recipe from last week), to bean salads, there are many ways to use tasty, healthy beans in summer recipes. Here is a good one, full of fresh summer veggies and lovely colors.

Enjoy!

Image via WikipediaCrunchy Lentil And Chickpea Veggie Toss

Ingredients:
1/2 cup dried lentils
1 1/2 cups cold water
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
4 green onions, chopped, including green tops
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 celery ribs, chopped small
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
2 Tbsp good olive oil
sea or kosher salt to taste
dash black pepper
a few sprinkles of red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. In a soup pot, put lentils and water over medium high heat, bring to a boil, turn heat to low, and simmer very slowly for about 30 minutes or until lentils are tender. (Don't let the lentils boil; skim off any foam that forms on the top.)
   
2. Meanwhile prepare chickpeas and veggies and put into a large salad bowl; cover bowl and keep chilled.
   
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and olive oil, with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
   
4. When lentils are cooked, cool slightly, then toss into chilled veggies.
   
5. Pour lime juice and olive oil dressing over the mixture, toss together lightly until combined; taste, adjust seasonings, toss again.
   
6. Chill salad for 15 to 25 minutes, then serve cold.

To make this lentil salad go a bit further, serve over a bed of crispy Romaine lettuce.  You can also toss it with chopped lettuce if you wish.

More Good Bean Recipes: