Lentils are an excellent protein source and blend nicely with grains and vegetables. Here's one of my favorite recipes:
3 cups lentils Water
1 large onion 2 garlic cloves, peeled (shake in container to skin)
1 medium carrot, cut into pieces 1 celery stalk, cut into pieces
2 bay leaves 6 green onions, white and green parts, thinly sliced
Freshly ground pepper
Tomato wedges or sliced cherry tomatoes for garnish
1/4 cup minced parsley or cilantro
Put the lentils into a large saucepan. Add water to cover plus 3 inches. Bring to a boil and lower heat to simmer. Add onion, garlic, carrot, celery and bay leaves. Simmer covered for about 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender; add salt for the last 5 minutes to help lentils ratain their shape. . Drain the lentils and remove the vegetables. Turn the lentils into a bowl while they are still hot. Add the green onions and make the French dressing. Blend well. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Cool the lentils, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 hours so the flavors blend.
Garnish with tomato wedges.
Lemon French Dressing
Combine 1/3 cup olive oil, juice of a fresh lemon (or to taste), 1 mashed garlic clove, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme, sea salt and ground pepper to taste.