Homemade Lentils served with Smoky Tempeh

Lentils are highly nutritious. They are jam packed with protein, iron and fiber to name a few. Try this delicious recipe paired with fresh vegetables, herbs and smokey tempeh on the side. It makes the house smell amazing, your body feel satisfied and provides plenty of healthy leftovers for the week! 

Homemade Lentils

• 1/2 pound green Lentils 
• 1/4 cup good olive oil
• 1 large white onion chopped
• 1 large leek - chop white and light green parts only 
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon fresh curry plant 
• 2 teaspoons garlic salt 
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 5 garlic cloves - chopped
• 1/4 green cabbage - chopped
• 3 large carrots - peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) 
• 1 1/2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach - chopped
• 3 roma tomatoes - chopped
• 1 slice lemon 

Smokey Maple "Bacon" Tempeh 

• 2 tbsp + olive oil 
• 1 package tempeh
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp liquid smoke
• garlic salt
• pepper

Homemade Lentils

1. Place lentils in a pot and cover with boiling water. Set aside while prepping (15+ min) then drain.
2. Heat oil in a saute pan, add the onions, leeks, thyme, curry, salt and pepper and cook over medium heat for 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
3. Add the cabbage, carrots, soy sauce, vegetable broth and drained lentils. Cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes or until lentils are tender. Add salt, pepper and lemon to taste.

Smokey Maple "Bacon" Tempeh 

1. Heat olive oil in saute pan
2. Place tempeh in hot oil, fry each side until seared. Lower heat to medium-low. 
3. Add syrup over tempeh, step away as may splatter. Turn each side and add l liquid smoke. Flip each side to mix well. 
4. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until browned. Enjoy!