A Lentil, That Object of Desire

[elleng]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/18/dining/a-lentil-that-object-of-desire-city-kitchen.html?hp

[EFerrari]

1. So true.

I have a template for my weekly menus that goes "chicken, fish, veggie, leftovers, beast, veggie, other beast" but the choices to fill those slots are totally about imagination and desire. There is no pragmatism that explains why the drive across town to secure fresh squid is so urgent one day or why only a fennel based dish will do on another when the stores are full of good non-fennel based food. There's a thin line between appetite and desire that meal planning allows me to cross over and over again without penalty or shame. lol

[Lucinda]

2. That was a great read. I definitely approach meals from that perspective

Our local markets aren't very inspiring, but I do use the What's for dinner threads to spark creativity with what I CAN find locally, or in my pantry.

And I've always loved lentils. Yummy little adaptable things.

[silverweb]

3. I love lentils!

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]They're so versatile. A staple in my house is a blend of equal parts lentils, rice, and quinoa. I make it absolutely plain, with no flavorings of any kind, even salt. Then I keep it in the refrigerator and add it to soups, salads, or use it as a bed for various vegetable/sauce concoctions, which impart their own flavorings.

Miso soup has been my most recent craze, and it's quite filling with a few tablespoons of the lentil mix added. Last night I put a little turmeric in it and it was delicious.

Yum.

Is it suppertime yet?