Parmesan-Dijon Lentils with Veggies
My workweek meals must be simple, healthy and fast. I’m always on the go, so whipping up a quick, yet flavorful dinner is a must. Plus, any chance to add extra veggies and protein into my diet is a big bonus.
While lentils take awhile to cook, the rest of the ingredients in this dish make it a snap to prepare. You’ll need the following items:
-1/2 cup lentils
-1 package of green beans in a microwave steam bag
-1 box white button mushrooms
-Dijon mustard
-Parmesan cheese
-Garlic (powdered or minced clove)
-Rosemary (dried or fresh)
-Olive oil
-Freshly ground black pepper
-Red chili flakes
-Sea salt (optional)
-Spinach (optional)
-Dried cranberries (optional)
Cook the lentils according to the directions on the box. Once the lentils have started cooking, puncture the bag of green beans and steam them in the microwave according to the directions on the package. Remove the green beans from the microwave and place on a plate to cool. Caution, they will be hot!
While the green beans are cooling, saute the mushrooms on the stovetop with one tbsp olive oil, garlic (one clove or a hearty sprinkle of powdered) and crushed black pepper. Once the ingredients are incorporated, add in one tbsp of dijon mustard and allow the mushrooms to finish cooking. Feel free to add more mustard according to taste. This is certainly not professional chef-like, but I find it easiest to sample while cooking to make sure I have the flavors right. When the mushrooms are nearly done, add fresh or dried rosemary.
When the lentils are nearly done, add in dijon mustard to taste, crushed black pepper and two tbsp of ground parmesan cheese. I’ve used the ground parmesan cheese from Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, and they’re both fresh and flavorful. Combine with mushrooms and green beans. Sprinkle with chili flakes for a kick, if you’re feeling a little feisty.
I enjoy serving this dish on a bed of spinach and top it with a few dried cranberries and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese. This recipe yields 2-3 servings depending on whether you incorporate spinach. Buon Appetito!
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