Week 2 - Vegged out Lentils and Barley with Roasted veggies on the side...

As if lentils and barley were not perfectly nutritious on their own, I have paired them together to pack a major punch.

Lentils are high in protein, and low in fat. They help to lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar levels, and contains high levels of molybdenum, folate, fiber, copper, phosphorus, manganese, iron, B1, B6, potassium, and pantothenic acid.

Barley is a nutty, chewy, grain that also packs a punch. It is very versatile and can be used in dishes just like rice. In addition to its robust flavor, barley is a very good source of molybdenum, manganese, dietary fiber, and selenium, and a good source of copper, vitamin B1, chromium, phosphorus, magnesium, and niacin.

The side of roasted vegetables just adds so much color and interest to the dish. I served this with simple bread and butter.

My family of 4 ate all of it. There is no way we would have sat down and finished that veggie tray in one night. And I added spinach in there also. This meal was about as nutritious as you can get!

1 cup uncooked pearl barley

3 cups cooked lentils (or 1 1/2 cup uncooked)

4 large handfuls of baby spinach

1 onion

3 stalks celery

2 large handfuls of baby carrots

4 cups stock of choice (if using dry lentils use 2-3 cups extra, u can add a cup at a time until lentils are soft)

1 cup water

1 bay leaf

powdered garlic

salt & pepper to taste

Saute all celery, carrots, and onion til soft. Add stock, bay leaf, pepper, lentils, and barley to vegetables. Cook on medium until lentils and barley are soft. Add additional stock or the 1 cup of water as needed until desired thickness is reached.

Add chopped spinach and taste to see if it needs salt.

Serve alone or you have make the roasted vegetables. I also put bread and butter on the table.

served 4 big eaters

Weight Watchers smart points

sp - 6 pts (if you don't add the oil 4pts)

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