What a week! With announcements of layoffs at my job, it has been kinda stressful! Ok more than announcements … actual layoffs. About 50% of my team. Those of us left have an attitude of “I’m a survivor” … or at least I do! I think it has brought us closer together as a team, but I’m feeling the stress. I am so thankful to have a job. I know it is just the way things are these days, but I take it for granted that I have a job and a set schedule where I know where I am going and what I am doing … sigh. Good think I have some comfort food to rely on.
I’m trying not to let it bother me … what will be, will be. I am just trying to keep positive! My hubby’s birthday is this coming weekend, and that is what I am looking forward to! I love birthdays! Not just my own, but I love celebrating other peoples birthdays too!
I’ve been trying some Indian food, or at least my version of it! I’m finding a lot is (or can be ) gluten friendly, which is great for me! I saw this recipe for Red Lentil Dahl, so I decided to try it! Basically, it is just a lentil soup, spiced up a little bit. Yum!
Since I didn’t have red lentils, I used what I had on hand. When I got them, they were called “French Lentils”. They seem to be multi-colored…
So I am just calling it Lentil Dahl! It still turned out yummy!
Lentil Dahl
Print this recipe!
Adapted from Delectably Free and About.com
2 tsp sesame oil
3 cloves garlic
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tbsp fresh grated ginger
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1 1/2 cups lentils
3 1/2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups water
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 14oz can light coconut milk
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp tumeric
salt/pepper to taste
Preheat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sesame oil.
Mince the garlic, chop the onion, and grate the ginger. Add to the pan, and saute, stirring, for a few minutes. Add in the mustard seeds as well.
Add in the lentils, and stir well, mixing with the vegetables. Add in the vegetable broth , water, and spices. Cook over medium heat until the liquid is absorbed. If the lentils are not tender, add more water and continue cooking. For me, lentils take forever to cook!!!
When the lentils are tender, add the tomato paste, and stir to combine. The mixture should be thick. Add in the coconut milk. Lower the heat, and cook just 5-10 minutes, until the mixture is warmed. You don’t want the coconut milk to boil – it is not a pretty sight! Taste, and add salt/pepper to taste.
I pureed the mixture slightly with my immersion blender – this is optional – I like the texture better.
Serve over rice or quinoa if you want, or just by itself!
If you would like this spicier, you can add some cayenne pepper, or more turmeric or cumin. This worked well for us!
This is linked to What’s Cooking Thursday’s.
Sorry to hear about the layoffs at work. That is incredibly stressful even for those who are not laid off. I’m glad that you were not laid off.
A thick lentil soup is very comforting. This looks wonderful. I also find lentils to take quite a while to cook.
Aimee recently posted..Shelburne Half Training – Week 6 and 7
Yes, it is so stressful .. I am glad to have my job though! I’m glad it isn’t just me that thinks lentils take forever to cook! I try to soak them before cooking when I remember … I just don’t always remember! Have a great day!
We must be on the same page–I was totally in the mood for Indian-ish food too, had to whip up some curry. In addition to being gluten-free friendly, most is really vegan friendly too. (In fact, there’s a local Indian restaurant that’s ALL vegetarian and about 90% vegan and gluten-free–and it is SO good, probably my favorite restaurant around).
And I’m glad you weren’t included in the layoffs! It’s scary when that happens at the office, and it’s sad to see some coworkers go.
Allie recently posted..Just Beet It
That is so true about Indian food being vegan! Yay! I know layoffs are just part of life .. just glad I was saved this time!
Glad you made the cut, Jane. Crazy times we are living in, I’m afraid. I love Indian food like this. Usually add squash, pumpkins, or carrots or all three to it just to make it more stick to the ribs. Vegan and economical too. Can it get any better than that?
Jane recently posted..BLISS!
It is crazy times, that is for sure. Veggies would have been good in this! I should try that next time!
Well, congrats on surviving! I hate work related stress, or any kind of stress that is beyond my control. I love simple Indian food!
Rhonda recently posted..The Best Thing I Ever Ate – Burgers
Thanks Rhonda! I guess all I can do is do my best at my job, and hope for the best!
Dear Jane, Sorry to hear that your are stressed out. But don’t just think about “what if…” Give yourself permission to live today and enjoy this day. We never know what is going to happen tomorrow, so just “inhale” all the small pleasures today has to offer: your husband’s smile, your perfect dahl, your walk with a dog… There is always some small thing around that can make us happy, but we tend to overlook it…
http://www.picnicatmarina.com
Thanks
I really appreciate what you said and you are so right! I do tend to get caught up in the moment, especially at work. Thank you for your kind words 
I wish I had time to try all your vegetarian recipes…someday, but in the meantime I file them away… Happy Bday to your hubby!
This looks great!
Being stressed about work is so common these days—the layoff thing is surely an epidemic. It seems like you have a healthy perspective and are grateful for your job. Whenever I’m stressed or don’t feel like working, I just remind myself that I’m lucky I’m employed!!
Lisa recently posted..The Santa Monica Stairs Keep Me Humble…
I’m so sorry to hear about work, but so thankful you didn’t get laid off! I’m so making this this weekend!!!!!
Brittany (Delights and Delectables) recently posted..Back from Blend
Thank you! I am very thankful for my job, because I know it can disappear in an instant. I just have to trust God that He will provide no matter what!
Lentils…yum! one of my favorite foods – in fact, it is what we had for dinner tonight
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By the way…don’t worry about your job. You still have it and that is all you must focus on. Stay in the moment my friend.
maria recently posted..be here now
Thank you Maria … yes I should not worry.. you are so right of course! Stay in the moment, I should put that on a sign on my forehead!!