Temperatures are still way too low to go outside. As a result, it’s tough for us to get in the exercise we need. Hitting the gym can also be somewhat challenging with treacherous road conditions as well as the piles of excuses we create not to go out in the freezing temperatures.

Along with our normal errands, work and our usual social activity, exercise will surely give you a ferocious hunger. Unfortunately we will be craving a lot of protein foods that “stick to your ribs.” The problem with that is self-explanatory: these foods do, in fact, stick to your ribs but not in a good way.

Lucky for us, nature has provided the perfect food to fill our bellies with warm, sustaining energy to get us through the winter: legumes. Whether it’s a simple pot of red beans or split pea soup, legumes are the key to staying trim in the winter months, and since they are dried, you probably have a bag sitting in your pantry.

This weeks recipe is as delicious as it is hearty. Enjoy!

____________________________________

Masala Curry Lentil and Vegetable Stew

Ingredients:

1 cup red or French lentils (rinsed and sorted)

6 cups water, vegetable stock or chicken stock (plus 2 cups in case you need more liquid, water also works for this part)

2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 medium onion, 1/4 inch dice

2 cloves garlic, smashed

1 bay leaf

1 tablespoon Garam Masala spice

1 large carrot 1/4 inch dice

1/2 cup sweet potato, peeled 1/4 inch dice

1/2 bunch Italian flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Kosher salt & fresh ground pepper to taste

Preparation:

Combine the lentils, water or stock, onion, garlic cloves, Garam Masala, and bay leaf in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer 30 minutes.

Add carrots and sweet potatoes and bring back to a simmer, and continue to cook 20-30 more minutes or until the lentils and vegetables are tender. Stir in the parsley and olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or room temperature.

____________________________________

Here are some upcoming events on the Brown Paper Tickets’ site that feature some delicious Indian-style legumes.

Sunday, January 27

Indian Food Popup Kitchen – San Francisco, California

Thursday, February 7

Sadya South Indian Presents A Night in Bombay! – Ithaca, New York

Sunday, February 10

Intermediate Indian Indulgences- Now We’re Cookin’ – Evanston, Illinois