When you get ready to make a recipe, take a deep breath, neatly lay out what you’ll need, and then proceed.

 

The 2020’s have been challenging in many ways, including in your kitchen at mealtime. For so many, the number of homemade meals eaten at home has increased – partly because food budgets are stretched more than usual and partly because of the knowledge that meals made at home can typically be made healthier for everyone in the family. So, say hello to more and more people looking for recipes in all places: a favorite cookbook, a friend, a google search, or a TV cooking show. Here are some reminders for having success with the finished recipe as well as enjoying the recipe-making experience.

Recipe Reminders

1. Decide on a recipe category like Italian chicken, vegetable stir fry, bean soup, waffle, or fruit salad
2. Choose a recipe at your ability level, or very slightly higher
3. Look through your kitchen to make sure you have all the ingredients you’ll need, or add them to your grocery list
4. Plan to make a recipe when you have enough time – rushing can create stress
5. Ask a family member or friend to join you in making the recipe
6. Take time to enjoy your finished recipe by eating slowly and savoring every bite

Here’s an earlier blog to read: Read Your Recipe Carefully to Avoid 5 Common Recipe Mistakes.

Easy Lentil Chili Recipe – makes 4 servings, 1 cup 

Here’s an easy-to-fix recipe with affordable lentils and a great, chili flavor. Kids can help by measuring the ingredients, especially dried lentils and spices, with adult supervision.

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup                   Dried lentils, any color
• 3 cups                 Water, to cook lentils
• 1 Tablespoon    Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 1 large                 Onion, chopped
• 2-14.5 oz cans   Stewed tomatoes, no added salt variety*
• 1-8 oz can          Tomato sauce, no added salt variety*
• 2 Tablespoons  Chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon    Cumin, ground/powder
• 1 teaspoon        Garlic powder, not garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon        Salt
• ¼-1/2 cup        Prepared salsa – optional
• ½-1 Tablespoon  Tabasco sauce – optional

Tasty Topping Options: Chopped fresh cilantro, cut-up avocado, plain Greek nonfat yogurt

How to Make the Chili:

1. Rinse lentils in cool tap water in a fine mesh strainer. Discard any tiny stones that you see. Add rinsed lentils into a medium to large pot, add water, and cook on medium heat to simmer for about 30 min, until lentils are soft but not mushy. Remove cooked lentils to a bowl, straining out any excess water. Then, wipe out the pot with a paper towel.
2. Heat the same pot to medium on the stove. When heated, add EVOO and chopped onions then stir for 3-5 min. until onions soften and begin turning golden. Add back the cooked lentils to the pot along with canned tomato products, spices, salsa (optional) and Tabasco sauce (optional.)
3. Put a lid on the pot and simmer on medium-low for 30 minutes to allow all flavors to blend together, stirring about every 10 minutes.
4. Serve into bowls and add your favorite tasty toppings, listed above. After the chili cools, the leftovers can be stored, labeled and dated, in the fridge for 4-5 days or the freezer for 2-3 months.

Approximate calories per 1 cup serving: 275 (before adding the toppings) Also, there is valuable plant protein, fiber, and potassium.

Here’s an earlier blog to read: Lentils are a Plant Protein that’s Easy to Cook and Delicious.

Cooking with Recipes can add Variety to Your Day

If you’re looking for new ideas to use when cooking – and who isn’t? – then new recipes can check that box. A lot of cooking ideas come from years of practice on a limited number of recipes and yet jumping into making a new recipe can turn up something truly delicious. Be adventurous in your kitchen and try out my free resource, Easy Mediterranean Meals and Recipes, as you get going.

What new recipe will you try next week and will it contain a plant protein like lentils?