Kristi Whitley

Healthy Living

 Greek Lentil Stew
 from AICR.com

1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 small red onion, chopped
1 medium yellow sweet pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 cup lentils
2 tsp. dried oregano
l tsp. ground cinnamon
2½ cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth, divided
1 medium zucchini squash, chopped
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1/2 cup unsweetened pomegranate juice
Salt and freshly ground pepper
 

In small Dutch oven or large, heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and sweet pepper and sauté for 1 minute. Cover pot tightly and cook over medium heat for 4 minutes so vegetables let their juices. Mix in garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.

Mix in lentils, oregano and cinnamon and cook until seasoning is fragrant, 30 seconds. Pour in 2 cups of broth. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer lentils for 25 minutes. Add squash, tomato paste, juice and remaining broth. Simmer stew for 15 minutes, or until lentils are done to your taste. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Let stew sit, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, divided among soup bowls.

Makes 4 servings. Serving: 1¼ cup.