Lentils should be a staple item in every kitchen. Red, black, green... so many to choose from! My favorite is French lentils. They are hearty, which allows them to cook longer and have a more meaty texture. This recipe is a staple in our house. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. of vegetable broth

1 large onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp of dried basil

1/4 tsp each of: ground ginger, ground cinnamon,

1/8 tsp each of: ground nutmeg, paprika

1 bunch of kale (or other greens like spinach/swiss chard)

2 carrots, chopped

2 1/2 cups of water

1 cup of French lentils

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1) Sauté onion in broth until onion is translucent. Keep adding broth to prevent onions from sticking. Add garlic, basil and the remaining spices and cook for about 1 min. Add kale and carrots. Cook until kale is slightly wilted.

2) Add water and lentils. Cook for about 30 mins until lentils are tender.

3) salt and pepper to taste