Lentils

Cookies and candy canes, turkey and ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole and yams! Holiday staples, as well as sipping our favorite drink by the fire with family and friends...but, PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO ADD LENTILS TO CLEANSE!

The story of Lentils goes back to Neolithic times, at least 8,000 years and is the first domesticated food
source known to man. They are grown all over the world in warm dry climates and Canada is the largest producer of this little pearl of a gem.

Rich in amino acids, folate and fiber, vitamins and minerals, the lentil is considered the richest source of plant-based protein available. A meal for less than five dollars, lentils come in red, yellow, green, brown and black each with their own unique texture and flavor. They are nutrient dense, easy to digest, great for blood sugar regulation, preventing cancer and are great for the stomach and heart. Lentils by far are the healthiest food in the world!

This beautiful bushy plant grows to about 4 to 5 feet and is super easy to cultivate. Due to their "sattvic" nature (Ayurvedic term meaning clear, clean and light) lentils are considered a life-giving food. With less than 1 gram of fat, this low-calorie high fiber food becomes a perfect meal when rice and some kale are added. Lentils bump up the immune system, rebuild the microbiome and alkalize the body.

Bring this dish to your table during the holiday season! As a gift of giving make it for family and friends, contributing to their health by sharing food that will offer relief for the gut, less calories and more benefits.

Here is a recipe my Italian Momma makes:
3 to 4 parts water
1-part rinsed and clean green or brown lentils
Brown rice pasta
Tomato sauce
Carrots, celery, onions and a dash of garlic

Mom makes it like a soup and calls it Pasta Fagioli. This may be her own version but there are many
ways to make it. Check the internet. Add some thyme, a bay leaf, a tad bit of rosemary and a small sprinkle of parmesan if you'd like. You have a hearty & healthy meal in 20 to 30 minutes.

Buon Appetito!