Cinnamon-Scented French Lentils 

Ingredients:

1/4 red onion--chopped

1/2 red bell pepper--chopped

1/2 cup carrots--chopped

2 cloves garlic--minced

1 bay leaf

1 inch piece ginger--peeled and sliced

1 cinnamon stick

1 cup vegetable broth

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup coconut milk

3/4 dry French lentils--rinsed

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

salt, pepper, olive oil

parsley

Method:

*Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium-large saucepan over medium heat. Add ginger and bay leaf. Cook 2 minutes. Add onion, peppers, and carrots. Sprinkle salt and add a few grinds of black pepper. Saute until soft. Add garlic. Stir and cook 5 minutes. Remove ginger.

*Add lentils, cinnamon stick, cinnamon, coconut milk, water, and vegetable broth. Stir. Turn heat to high. Bring to boil. Drop heat to medium low. Simmer 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender. Remove bay leaf and cinnamon stick before serving. Serve with freshly chopped parsley. (Goes GREAT with coconut rice!)