*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                 SPICY LENTILS WITH PEPPERS & TOMATOES

Recipe By     :
Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    :
 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
                       -----JUDI M. PHELPS-----
    3/4   lb           Brown or green lentils
                       -washed and picked over
                       -(approximately 2 cups)
  6       c             -- water
  1                    Bay leaf
                       Salt
  1       tb           Olive oil
  1       lg           Onion -- chopped
  2       cl           Garlic -- minced or put
                       -through a garlic press
  1                    Green pepper -- seeded and
                       -chopped
  2                    Hot chili peppers -- seeded
                       -and finely chopped
  1 1/2   lb           Fresh tomatoes -- seeded and
                       -finely chopped OR
  1 1/2   lb           Canned tomatoes -- drain juice
                       Freshly ground pepper
  3       tb           To 4 T cilantro -- chopped
                       Juice of 1/2 lemon
                       -optional

 Combine the lentils, water, and bay leaf in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan
 and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 30 to 40 minutes,
 until the lentils are tender.  Add salt to taste.  Drain and retain some of
 the cooking liquid.

 Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or casserole and add the
 onion and garlic.  Saute over medium-low heat until the onion is tender and
 beginning to color.  Add the green pepper and chili peppers and saute
 another 5-10 minutes until the pepper is tender and add the tomatoes and
 drained lentils.  Add a little bit of cooking liquid from the lentils if
 the mixture seems dry.  Simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes. Season
 to taste with more salt and pepper, stir in the cilantro and lemon juice if
 desired, and serve, or allow to cool and serve chilled.

 This dish will keep for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.  Serves 6-8.

 Per portion:  189 calories, fat 2 g, sodium 12 mg, protein 13 g,
 carbohydrate 31 g, cholesterol 0.  Source:  Mediterranean Light by Martha
 Rose Shulman.

 Shared and MM by Judi M. Phelps, Moderator, alt.creative-cook and
 alt.creative-cooking conferences.



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