Spinach And Lentil Pancakes With Cumin Date Sauce Food

SPINACH-AND-GARLIC LENTILS

Steps:

• Combine the lentils, tomato, 2 cloves of garlic, ginger, serrano chile, turmeric and 6 cups water in a large saucepan. Bring to a high simmer and cook, occasionally whisking vigorously, until the lentils are tender and begin to fall apart and the mixture is like a thin porridge, 15 to 18 minutes. Add the spinach to the pan in batches and stir until wilted. Add the lemon juice and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Remove from the heat.
• Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining clove of garlic and the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Swirl until the garlic and is golden and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
• Pour the lentils into a large serving bowl and drizzle with the garlic butter. Serve hot.

SPINACH PANCAKES

Steps:

• Mix eggs, spinach and onion until well blended.
• Heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. For each pancake, pour 1/4 cup of the egg mixture into skillet; sprinkle with about 1 Tbsp. of the cheese. Cook 2 min. or until golden brown. Turn pancakes; cook until other side is golden brown.
• Serve topped with sour cream.

LENTIL AND SPINACH SALAD WITH ONION, CUMIN AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Rinse the lentils and place them in a large saucepan and add plenty of water to cover; tie the bay leaf, celery and thyme into a bundle and add to the pan, then bring to the boil; reduce the heat so that the water boils steadily; cook the lentils for 30-40 minutes or until they are just tender. DO NOT ADD SALT at this stage, as it toughens the lentils.
• Meanwhile, to make the dessing, mix the oil, mustard, 3 teaspoons vinegar, garlic and lemon rind, and season to taste with pepper and salt.
• Thoroughly drain the lentils and transfer them to a bowl, add most of the dressing and toss until all the ingredients are well-combined, then set aside, stirring occasionally.
• Heat the oil in a deep pan and cook the onions or shallots over a low heat for 4-5 minutes, until they are beginning to soften. Add the cumin and cook for 1 minute.
• Add the spinach and season to taste, cover and cook for 2 minutes; stir, then cook again briefly until wilted.
• Stir the spinach into the lentils and leave the salad to cool. Bring back to room temperature if necessary. Stir in the remaining dressing and chopped parsley, adjust the seasoning, adding extra wine vinegar if necessary.
• Transfer the salad to a serving platter and scatter over some parsley sprigs.
• Chef's Note: Puy lentils are named after a town in France. They are considered to have the best and most distinctive flavour and they keep both their shape and colour well when cooked, making them ideal for salads.

SPINACH, SWEET POTATO & LENTIL DHAL

Steps:

• Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wide-based pan with a tight-fitting lid.
• Add 1 finely chopped red onion and cook over a low heat for 10 mins, stirring occasionally, until softened.
• Add 1 crushed garlic clove, a finely chopped thumb-sized piece of ginger and 1 finely chopped red chilli, cook for 1 min, then add 1½ tsp ground turmeric and 1½ tsp ground cumin and cook for 1 min more.
• Turn up the heat to medium, add 2 sweet potatoes, cut into even chunks, and stir everything together so the potato is coated in the spice mixture.
• Tip in 250g red split lentils, 600ml vegetable stock and some seasoning.
• Bring the liquid to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover and cook for 20 mins until the lentils are tender and the potato is just holding its shape.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning, then gently stir in the 80g spinach. Once wilted, top with the 4 diagonally sliced spring onions and ½ small pack torn basil leaves to serve.
• Alternatively, allow to cool completely, then divide between airtight containers and store in the fridge for a healthy lunchbox.

LENTILS AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Heat oil in a heavy pan over medium heat. Saute onion for 10 minutes or so, until it begins to turn golden. Add minced garlic and saute for another minute or so.
• Add lentils and water to the saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil. Cover, lower heat, and simmer about 35 minutes, until lentils are soft ( this may take less time, depending on your water and the lentils).
• Meanwhile cook the spinach in microwave according to package directions. Add spinach, salt and cumin to the saucepan. Cover and simmer until all is heated, about ten minutes. Grind in plenty of pepper and press in extra garlic to taste.