Recipe: Hearty Lentil Stew

As requested, here is a new recipe for you to try...

Lentil stew is made in the crock pot so it's very easy to cook (for you working mom's).  This is a good meal to make when it's cold outside and you need some comfort food.  Plus, lentils are a good source of protein, dietary fiber, folate and vitamin B.  But that's not even the reason I love this stew, it's just so delicious!! Even Samuel loves this meal.

So here it is:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and sorted
• 1 package (16 ounces) frozen green beans, thawed (I never thaw mine but just throw them in the crock pot frozen!)
• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup baby carrots, cut into halves crosswise
• 3 cups fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 can (15 ounces) chunky tomato sauce w/garlic & herbs

Just some side notes:
*I've used frozen cauliflower and carrots in this recipe.  I've also skipped the cauliflower and it turns out just fine.
*I don't buy chicken broth.  I make mine using chicken bouillon cubes because this saves money.  I throw in three bouillon cubes and add the three cups of water.
*I use one can of diced tomatoes instead of the sauce.

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in your crock pot except for the tomato sauce.
2. Cover and cook on LOW 9 to 11 hours.  I stir my occasionally just to make sure everything gets mixed together well.
3. About 10 minutes before you plan to serve your soup, add the tomato.

I serve mine with sweet cornbread.

I hope you enjoy!!

What's your favorite winter comfort food?