Quite some time ago, I was given some cans of lentils, chickpeas and beans by someone who did not know how to use them. I never buy them canned, instead I purchase dry staples and cook them myself, but figured that it shouldn't be hard to use up the canned items. Yet somehow they've just sat in the pantry....until now.
One of the reasons I've been slow to use the lentils is that my husband and a couple of the kids have stated adamantly that they loathe lentils. Years ago, when we were living remotely with few resources, lentil dishes featured in our menu frequently, and they were ok at the time - even well received - but it got to where everyone was sick of them, and then came to intensely dislike lentil dishes.
But, I figured, lentils are good for extending meat in a dish, so I would give it a try. With a few simple ingredients, I put together this very tasty dish which turned out to be a hit. When I reminded the family "But you hate lentils" I was informed, "Oh, we only hate lentils when they don't have meat with them." NOW they tell me!
But, I figured, lentils are good for extending meat in a dish, so I would give it a try. With a few simple ingredients, I put together this very tasty dish which turned out to be a hit. When I reminded the family "But you hate lentils" I was informed, "Oh, we only hate lentils when they don't have meat with them." NOW they tell me!
Savoury Mince with Lentils
Ingredients:
500g (1 lb) lean minced beef (hamburger)
1 onion, peeled and chopped
1 tsp mustard powder
2 TBSP Worchestershire or soy sauce
1/2 cup tomato sauce (ketchup)
400g (14oz) can chopped tomatoes
400g (14oz) can lentils, rinsed
2 TBSP fresh chopped parsley
2 TBSP fresh chopped chives
Method:
1. Brown beef and onion in a large pan or pot, stirring frequently.
2. Add the mustard, soy and tomato sauces and stir well. Add the canned tomatoes plus 1 can of water. Bring to simmer.
3. Stir in lentils, then cover and simmer for 30 mins until well cooked and reduced to rich sauce. (I used a fork under the edge of the lid to enable steam to escape). Add the chopped herbs just before serving. Thicken if desired with a little cornflour & water.
Serves 6-7
I served it with mashed potatoes and broccoli. And it was followed with a yummy desert - see next post.
500g (1 lb) lean minced beef (hamburger)
1 onion, peeled and chopped
1 tsp mustard powder
2 TBSP Worchestershire or soy sauce
1/2 cup tomato sauce (ketchup)
400g (14oz) can chopped tomatoes
400g (14oz) can lentils, rinsed
2 TBSP fresh chopped parsley
2 TBSP fresh chopped chives
Method:
1. Brown beef and onion in a large pan or pot, stirring frequently.
2. Add the mustard, soy and tomato sauces and stir well. Add the canned tomatoes plus 1 can of water. Bring to simmer.
3. Stir in lentils, then cover and simmer for 30 mins until well cooked and reduced to rich sauce. (I used a fork under the edge of the lid to enable steam to escape). Add the chopped herbs just before serving. Thicken if desired with a little cornflour & water.
Serves 6-7
I served it with mashed potatoes and broccoli. And it was followed with a yummy desert - see next post.
RSS Feed
