Spicy Basil Lentils

Need a quick and easy plant-based dish for your holiday feast or seasonal potluck? Well, look no further! Let ecoRDN‘s Spicy Basil Lentils be this year’s go-to champion!

This recipe utilizes the same set-it-and-forget-it ease as many of ecoRDN‘s recipes in that the rice cooker does all the cooking! Minimal prep time makes this a breeze! Simply put all the ingredients in your cooker, turn on, and take care of your other busy business!

Our lentil recipe is a great addition to marinara sauce making a lovely meat-free bolognese or paired with ecoRDN‘s own savory ‘cheesy’ dairy free barley!

If you’ve lived on the moon, or are new to the virtues of plant-based proteins, lentils are amazing. They are a staple in our kitchen and should play an important role in yours, as well.

Michael Greger M.D. is a plant-based hero of ecoRDN‘s, and he has this to say about the amazing legume (via NutritionFacts.org): “Lentils have the second-highest antioxidant content (behind black beans) among all tested legumes and offer significant levels of protein, iron, zinc, and folate as well. A diet rich in lentils and other legumes may help reduce cholesterol, hypertension, and the risk of prediabetes, fibrocystic breast disease, and prostate cancer proliferation. Lentils and other legumes may offer significant anti-inflammatory effects as well.”

Don’t be a dummy, eat your lentils!

This recipe also utilizes the amazing fennel seed, which we have already extolled the virtues of in our toasted fennel seed & radish salad recipe! ecoRDN‘s spicy basil lentils are loaded with both flavor AND whole foods nutrients! Win-Win!!!

What you’ll need:

2 cup green, or Egyptian lentils

1/2 cup diced celery

1 Tbsp dried basil

1 Tbsp fennel seed

2 tsp powdered cayenne, or other powdered hot pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp cracked black pepper

24 fl oz water

1 tsp coconut oil, or high-heat oil to coat pan

Add all the ingredients to your oiled rice cooker pan, cover with lid, turn on, tune in, and wait for the spicy, savory smells to warm you kitchen!

Try this recipe and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. As always thanks for reading and eat well!

For a mouthwatering archive of foodie pics and all things nutritionally awesome, follow us on Instagram and Twitter!

©2016 ecoRDN