BARBECUE LENTILS WITH EGGPLANT

lentils simmer while veggies are cooking

In this dish, meaty chunks of eggplant are simmered in a smoky tomato sauce with the sweet-and-sour overtones of lemon and agave.  It's hearty! 

INGREDIENTS:

1/8 cup olive oil

1 large eggplant, peeled and diced

1 cup thinly sliced red onion

1 cup finely chopped diced tomatoes

1 1/2 Tbsp fresh oregano

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 tsp finely ground pepper

1 Tbsp tamari

1/2 cup favorite barbecue sauce

1 Tbsp lemon juice

1 Tbsp agave nectar or honey

1 cup dried lentils, prepared as stated below OR 1 can of lentils

1/4 cup finely chopped parsley

salt to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Cook the lentils in 3 cups of water or Vegetable stock. (about 25 - 30 min.)

In a heavy-bottom pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and saute the eggplant for 10 minutes, sprinkling with a bit of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Add the onion, tomatoes, oregano, garlic, and pepper to the eggplant, and continue to saute for 5 minutes.

Add the tamari, and stir thoroughly.  Add the barbecue sauce, lemon juice, and honey, stirring thoroughly to evenly coat all the vegetables.  This will form a sauce around the eggplant. 

Add the lentils with their liquid to the pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes, adding a bit of water if the sauce looks thick.  Add the parsley.  Season with salt.

I love this dish served over my Creamy Parmesan Polenta. (recipe next blog)

warm hearty comfort food