Vegan Lentils #1 Power of the Sea

Lentils are the quickest cooking legume on the market, ready in usually 30 minutes. They pack a nutritional powerhouse of protein, minerals, vitamins, and even those elusive B-vitamins we so badly need for energy, mental cognition and metabolism. Try presoaking and even sprouting them to add additional protein and vitamin-C to their nutritional profile.

I love lentils, they are so versatile and lend a nutty flavor to many dishes. Though, usually I have them as a hearty meal by themselves. This is just one of many recipes I have for a quick bowl of lentils.

What you need:

Steamer appliance, deep sauce pan, or large microwave bowl

A second bowl, spoon, and hearty appetite.

2 cups dried lentils

4 to 6 cups water

2 tablespoons red miso paste OR soy sauce (or bragg's amino) and apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons dulce flakes (found in most natural health food stores)

1 tablespoon gomashio (sesame and salt mixture)

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1 tablespoon fresh or ½ teaspoon dried basil

A few dashes of fresh ground pepper

1-Put lentils and desired amount of water in steamer device, sauce pan, or microwave safe bowl and simmer for 30 minutes or until lentils are tender and mushy. Using hot water makes the process quicker. Use more water for soupier lentils and less for thicker lentils.

2-When the lentils are done, add in remaining ingredients, stirring well between each one. Be sure to pre-liquify the miso paste in ¼ cup hot water before adding it.

3-Enjoy it while it's hot, these ingredients don't reheat well, so if you're not going to eat the whole pot in one meal, add the ingredients in after reheating the plain lentils.

For braver palates, try adding cut up nori or other sea vegetable. Ground kombu is also delicious.

Dulce is a type of ocean going vegetable. It has a nice salty flavor, is low in salt , and adds vital minerals, natural iodine, and essential amino acids (4 grams of protein per serving).

Miso (or bragg's amino and apple cider vinegar) adds essential enzymes and amino acids to the meal which may help reduce gas associated with eating legumes.

Gomashio is a toasted sesame and salt mixture which adds amino acids, copper, and other minerals to the diet while helping some reduce salt intake.