Lentils?

If you shop at Costco, you may have tried a sample, seen, or purchased Tasty Bite's Madras Lentils.  They're fantastic.  My 5 year old LOVED them in the store.  Four packets come in a box.  Each packet is 2 servings and takes only 90 seconds to heat in the microwave.  However, I know how much lentils REALLY cost, and I had a hard time paying the premium for the convenience of these truly yummy nutrient-packed lentils and red beans. 

Yesterday, I took it upon myself to create something similar that I could easily freeze in Ziplocs and pull out when I needed the "convenience." We were very pleased with the outcome.  The crockpot makes this even easier, although a few steps do require the stove.

Dawn's Madras Lentils

Ingredients:

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can tomato puree

1 can chicken broth

1 bag dried red kidney beans

1 T garlic olive oil

4 T butter or Smart Balance

1 finely minced onion

2 C lentils

2 T cumin

1 tsp. thai red curry paste

cayenne, to taste

chipotle chili powder, to taste

1/2 - 1 C cream (or Cacique Crema Mexicana)

Directions:

Soak beans according to package directions.

Place garlic olive oil, butter, and onions in a small skillet over medium heat.  Once the onions begin to soften, add the lentils and stir for another 2-3 minutes.  Salt as desired.

In a large crock pot, mix diced tomatoes, puree, chicken broth, pre-soaked beans and lentil/onion mixture.  Add 1 1/2 T cumin and Thai red curry paste.  Cook on high for 6 hours or on low for up to 12 hours.  Add chicken stock as needed.  I prefer mine to be thick like a chili, but some prefer it to be more like a stew.

Add remaining cumin, cayenne, and chipotle chili powder to taste.

Stir in cream, and serve!