Sunday, January 16, 2011

A Healthy 2011

Like everyone, I'm really trying to be healthier this year.  This concoction has been one of my go-to meals. I was inspired to cook with collard greens and lentils after watching an episode of Down Home with the Neely's on The Food Network.  I absolutely LOVE them, and every one of their meals looks so delicious.  The rest of the meal was inspired by my recipe for Seitan Tikka Masala.  I really wanted to cook with some garam masala, and this is what I came up with.  I went with the "kitchen sink" mind-set, and threw in random things I had laying around.  I don't know if this counts as a stew or a dish, but whatever it is, it's good.  Even my non-vegan-doesn't-like-healthy-foods boyfriend loved this.  It's a keeper!

(Vegan) Indian-Spiced Collards and Lentils


Ingredients:

6-8 collard leaves
1 cup lentils
1 medium-sized yellow onion
1 medium-sized tomato
1 can crushed tomatoes
4 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon cumin
A few shakes salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, ginger, and chile pepper

Method:
1.  Chop the onion and tomato and set aside.  Mince the garlic and set aside.
2.  Grab a large pot and saute the onion and garlic over medium-heat.  I actually used 1/2 cup water to be healthier (and because I didn't have much oil).  Feel free to use either!  
3.  Once the onions begin to look translucent, throw in the spices to create a glaze.  Stir constantly.
4.  Add the chopped and crushed tomatoes, and toss in another 3/4 cup water. 
5.  Roll your collards and cut into strips.  Toss these into the pot, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for a good half-hour.
6.  While this is going on, cook your lentils according to the package.
7. Stir the lentils into the pot, and finish simmering.  
8.  Serve and feel skinny.

2 comments:

  1. This looks good! I've been getting into more ethnic food lately. :)

    I recently made mater "paneer" with curry sauce, peas and cubed tofu in place of the goat cheese. It was good. :) Maybe I'll post it on my blog next time I make it. It needs some perfecting ;)

    But the potato spinach curry from Appetite for Reduction was amazing!

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  2. Looks and sounds super delicious. Mmm!

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