Click HERE for Sweet Potato Flatbread recipe

You might be surprised to see a blog post about animal meat. Quite honestly, this post is more about avoiding waste than anything. For those who have been following me, you know I have adopted a "flexitarian" position when it comes to health and wellness. In short, flexitarian simply means inclusivity and allowing your body to guide you in choosing the best foods for your body. Even this idea can be a bit confusing, as many of us, evidenced by the growing number of diseases manifesting in our collective bodies, we are not as in tune with ourselves as may think. In many cases, being out of synch with our bodies, which sometimes governs our food and life choices,  has the potential to lead us into a state of DIS-ease and suffering.  Yet, that is different post for another day. 

If you have chosen to include a turkey, quail, chicken, or any poultry meat, then consider repurposing the bones for an alternative. This Kitchen Klip will show you a few example of how to do just that.  

I hope you had a wonderful time celebrating life and family this Thanksgiving season.

To your health,

​Regina

​SoakingSoaking your beans helps them cook faster and more evenly, and it can also make them easier to digest. If you add salt to the soaking water (in other words, make a brine), your beans will cook even faster; the salt helps break down their skins. Here are a few methods; choose the one that best fits your schedule. And keep in mind that you never need to soak legumes like lentils or split peas.*

1. OVERNIGHT SOAKINGTo soak beans the traditional way, cover them with water by 2 inches, add 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt (or 1 tablespoon fine salt) per pound of beans, and let them soak for at least 4 hours or up to 12 hours. Drain them and rinse before using.
2. QUICK SOAKINGAnother option is quick-soaking, which allows you to make a pot of beans within a few hours flat without sacrificing flavor or texture. Put the beans in a pot on the stove, cover with water by two inches, add salt if you like, and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and let them soak for an hour. Drain, rinse and proceed with your recipe.

*additional source: NY Times Cooking

​Honestly, I only started eating lentils five or six years ago when I stumbled upon Trader Joe's lentil soup in the refrigerated section. One of the reasons I liked it so much was because it was filling and became a great animal protein substitution, for the most part.  I also liked the fact that it was easy to prepare, once the grain (legumes, actually) had been soaked overnight.  

I'm one of those people who can eat soups year-round, but hearty soup recipes, like the one I've posted below, seems more appropriate during the cooler or cold weather months.  I'm not a fan of using the term "comfort", as it applied to food, but in this case, lentil soup seems to provide comfort for my soul, and more importantly, essential nutrients for my body.  ​

​Lentils provides a wealth of health benefits, but I'll focus on the top 7 which includes:

Lowers CholesterolLentils help to reduce blood cholesterol since it contains high levels of soluble fiber. Lowering your cholesterol levels reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke by keeping your arteries clean.

Promoted Good Digestion
Lentils has been found to prevent constipation and other digestive disorders like IBS (Irritable Bowl Syndrome) and diverticulosis. 

Promotes Hearth Health
Studies show that eating high fiber foods like lentils reduces your risk of heart disease. Lentils are also a great source of folate and magnesium, which are big contributors to heart health. Folate lowers your homocysteine levels, a serious risk factor for heart disease. Magnesium improves blood flow, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Low levels of magnesium have been directly associated with heart disease, so eating lentils will keep your heart happy!
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Good Protein
Of all legumes and nuts, lentils contain the third-highest levels of protein. 26 percent of lentil’s calories are attributed to protein, which makes them a wonderful source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.

Blood Sugar Stabilizer
Lentils helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial to those suffering from diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia.

Increases Energy
Lentils increase steady, slow-burning energy due its fiber and complex carbohydrates. Lentils are also a good source of iron, which transports oxygen throughout your body and is key to energy production and metabolism.

Promotes Weight Loss
Although lentils include all these beneficial nutrients like fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins, they are still low in calories and contain virtually no fat. One cup of cooked lentils only contains about 230 calories, but still leaves you feeling full and satisfied.

BTW...Bulk is Usually Better
Although I buy prepacked dried peas and beans from time to time, I find it easier and much less expensive to purchase these from the bulk bins.  I can typically purchase as much or as little as I need, especially if  I'm only preparing a recipe periodically, plus it costs much less per pound than prepackaged items. However, always ask your grocer how quickly a particular bulk item moves, as you want to make sure you are buying the freshest ingredients available.  ​

I invite you to prepare this absolute AMAZING Red Split Lentil Soup.  If you're not exactly a fan of lentils, you will be!  This makes a wonderful pairing with my Spelt-Buckwheat Flatbread recipe.  Refer to recipe tutorial below.

RECIPE
Slow Cooker Red Split Lentil Soup
Author: Regina Thomas Dillard

2 cups Red Split Lentils (soaked overnight)
8 Roma Tomaoes, hand-crushed or chopped (sub. 2 cans Fire-roasted Tomatoes)
4 Garlic Cloves, crushed (sub. 2 tsp crushed garlic - from jar)
2 Vegetable Boullions (sub 1 tsp Vegetable "Better Than Boullion" paste)
2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
3 Celery Stalks, diced
3 Carrots, diced
1 Onion, medium, diced
3 Tbsp ISW Vegetable & Snack Seasoning
1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
2 Bay Leaves, whole

Slow Cooker Method:
Drain lentils and rinse thoroughly.  To slow cooker stock pot, add lentils and all ingredients. Cover with water.  Allow to cook on high for 4 hours. Adjust salt seasoning as needed.

Stove Top Method:
Bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and simmer 1 1/2 hours or until lentils and vegetables are tender.  Drain lentils and rinse thoroughly.  To slow cooker stock pot, add lentils and all ingredients.  Cover with water.  Allow to simmer for 40 minutes or until peas are tender. Adjust with vegetable seasoning as needed.
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