Where have I been???

I know it has been a while and I have some very good reasons. While the updating may have been slacking, the cooking, creating and chopping definitely were not. Much to catch up on, but one post at a time. I also had the pleasure of sampling some exceptional craft brews from a local brewery. I'm not talking about a basement-type craft beer brewery but the high quality variety, aka Blue Point Brewery. Blueberry Ale is their top-selling fruit beer. I'm particularly pleased that we are able to patronize yet another local business b/c it's awesome, not just b/c it's local.
And I spent quality time growing our first vegetable garden, well, harvesting our garden really, as mother nature gets the credit for growing good food.
And I went back to my college-era hobby of sprouting. What a rewarding and enriching practice this continues to be.
Fast forward to this afternoon's cucina creation. The Baked Coconut Lentils recipe came my way and I could just about taste it. Here's how it goes:

Serves 8

An Indian-inspired version of baked beans in which dates, coconut and spices give a rich and hearty flavor that intensifies during baking.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon or so Coconut Oil 
1 yellow onion, chopped 
1 teaspoon ground ginger 
1/2 teaspoon ground Turmeric 
1 pound Lentils (about 2 1/4 cups) 
1/2 cup to 1 cup pitted dates, chopped (I used fewer dates b/c I added about 1/8 c chopped raisins)
splash of Brigg's liquid amino acids, or substitute tamari sauce 
1/2 cup shredded coconut 

Method

In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened and beginning to brown, about 8 minutes. Stir in ginger and turmeric and cook 1 minute. Add 6 cups water, lentils and dates/raisins and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Stir in Briggs liquid or tamari and transfer lentils to a 2-quart baking dish or casserole. Cover and bake 30 minutes, then uncover, top with coconut and bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until lentils are tender and coconut is golden.

Nutrition

Per serving: 280 calories (30 from fat), 3.5g total fat, 3g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 49g total carbohydrate (9g dietary fiber, 16g sugar), 16g protein. 


Ummmmmm, delicious nutritious.