Beans and lentils are a very important source of protein.

They are complex carbohydrates that are digested slowly and fuel the body with a steady flow of glucose, which helps maintain blood sugar levels. In addition, beans and lentils are high in fiber.

Beans and lentils become complete proteins when they are eaten with grains.

Examples of a bean and grain meal that provides a complete protein are:

black beans and rice, lentil soup eaten with whole wheat bread, hummus on whole grain crackers.

Dried beans can be soaked overnight and cooked in water according to the package directions. Canned beans can be used in any of the recipes

Black Bean Entree ( Gluten Free/Casein Free)

This high protein delicious entree can be whipped together quickly and is soooooooooo good

2 cups cooked black beans, well drained

1 large ripe tomato, diced

1/2 red onion, diced

1/4 cup red pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, pressed

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Salt, pepper, cumin etc. to taste

Toss all ingredients together. Serve over cooked brown rice, quinoa, or with baked chips!

Variation: If you can eat cheese, spread 1 cup shredded cheese of your choice on a cookie sheet. Toss all ingredients and spread over the cheese. Top with cheese and bake on 450 for 10 minutes till bubbly.( not Casein Free) Again serve over rice or with baked chips

 1 and 1/2 cup cooked chick peas

¼ cup fresh cilantro

¼ cup fresh parsley

3 -6 pitted black Greek olives or large black olives ( optional)

Salt & pepper to taste

Use the food processor with the metal blade. Pulse cilantro first and then add all ingredients until well blended.

Serve with crackers, pita chips, or crudités.

Lentil Soup ( ** GFCF) ( Simple, nutritious, full of fiber and soothing)

Don’t let the simplicity of this recipe fool you. It is easy but delicious . ( tastes even better the second day)

1 16 oz bag brown lentils 

1 cup sliced carrots

3 stalks of celery, sliced

10 cups of water. ( may need to add more at end)

2 Tbsp cumin ( optional)

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Place all ingredients in a large sauce pan. Bring to a boil then simmer covered until the lentils and vegetables are soft. Add 1-2 cups of water if needed as it cooks and evaporates. Serves 6-8 . Can double recipe

Egyptian Red Lentil Soup">Egyptian Red Lentil Soup ( a soothing favorite) :

Ingredients:

2 cups red lentils, washed ( available in most health food stores)
1 tsp  cumin
1 cup sliced carrots
Juice of one fresh lemon
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped) salt, pepper, cilantro to taste                                                                                                                                             

Method:

Cover lentils with 8-10 cups of water. Add carrots and bring to a boil. Simmer until lentils are soft and carrots are cooked. Add juice of lemon, parsley, salt, pepper, cumin  and cilantro and simmer for 5 more minutes. Add 1/4-3/4 cup of water if soup is too thick.

Chickpea Entree

This is a tasty, simple recipe that can be served with a salad. Chickpeas are high in fiber( 5 grams) and protein ( 6 grams) in this recipe. Serve over brown basmati rice or eat with whole wheat pita bread.

Serves 5   (175 calories per serving )