Lentils are a wonderful source of protein {not to mention cholesterol lowering fiber} for us plant-based eaters and they can be easily flavored with herbs and spices. Lentils cook quickly which is why they're my go-to for late work-nights when there isn't a lot of time to make an elaborate meal. Here are some quick facts to encourage you to add lentils into your weekly meals:
- Rich in dietary fiber {both soluble and insoluble}
- Contains a significant amount of both folate and magnesium {ie very heart healthy}
- Stabilizes blood sugar
- Boosts iron stores in the body, like red meat but without the fat and high caloric intake
Serves 2-4 in my house ;)
Mushroom Lentil Hash
- (1) Sweet Onion Chopped
- (2 cups) Mushrooms {I used shiitake} rough chop
- (1 cup) Dry Lentils {I used brown}
- (1 tbsp) Apple Cider Vinegar
Cauliflower Steaks
- (1 head) Cauliflower
- (1 tbsp) Soy Sauce
- (1/2 tbsp) Fresh Grated Ginger
- (1 tbsp) Toasted Sesame Oil
Herb Sauce
- (3) Garlic cloves minced
- (2 tbsp) White Miso
- (1 tbsp) Soy Sauce
- (1 cup) Fresh Basil Leaves
- (1 cup) Fresh Italian Parsley
- Juice from a Lemon
- (3 tbsp) Olive Oil
Begin by preheating the oven to 400 degrees and slicing the Cauliflower head lengthwise {about 3/4 inch in width} and brushing with olive oil. Trim the stalk as needed but keep the steak intact. Bake for 20-25 mins flipping halfway through.
Rinse Lentils in a fine mesh strainer and place in a pot to boil with 3 cups of water. Once the lentils and water begin to boil, place the top on the pot and return to a simmer for about 15mins. Lentils should be al dente much like pasta. Drain excess water from lentils in the fine mesh strainer and set aside.
Pulse all the ingredients of the Herb Sauce together in a high speed blender or food processor and set aside.
Whisk the rest of the Cauliflower ingredients {soy sauce, grated ginger and toasted sesame oil}. Set aside.
You'll use both sauces to finish up the meal when plating.
Place chopped onion in an oiled skillet for about 5mins until onions are translucent. Add mushrooms and salt to taste. Do not add extra oil until mushrooms start to cook down and release liquid. Add oil as needed while mushrooms cook down {another 5 mins}. Add Apple cider vinegar to lose the good bits in the pan and give it a good toss. Add lentils to warm through.
To plate, add a healthy scope of lentil mushroom hash and top with Herb Miso sauce. Place Cauliflower steak on top and brush with the soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil and serve!
