Mouthwatering Monday: Lentil Stew

Image by kattebelletje via Flickr

In honor of all the belt-tightening going on around these days, here is a pretty tasty and filling low-cost stew. This is also a protein-rich, yet meatless, meal. (Don’t faint Rachel, there’s got to be a few vegetarian Texans by now ) .

Serves 6.

Ingredients
2 teaspoons vegetable or olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
3 cups water or broth of your choice
1 cup dried lentils, sorted and rinsed
2-3 medium carrots, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

Directions
1. Sautee onions and garlic in the oil
2. Stir in remaining ingredients
3. Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer about 40 minutes.

Serve with bread or rice.