Two days ago, I had a friend over for lunch and I made this.
We had both just gotten back from yoga and I was craving something light, yet filling and delicious. I wasn’t quite sure where it was going as I chopped carrots, celery, jalapeno, onion, ginger and garlic and sizzled them all together in olive oil over the stove. As much as I love the scent of bread baking and cookies in the oven, there’s just something about garlic and ginger caramelizing on the stove that makes me feel happy to be alive.
Well, one thing let to another and before I knew it, I had dumped lentils into the pot. Lentils and yoga just go together hand in hand, don’t they? Probably more-so that, say, yoga and bacon drippings.
Not that I have anything against bacon drippings.
Moving on.
I hope your Trader Joe’s carries large cartons of jalapenos for, like, two dollars. I’m adding jalapenos to everything lately because of that! If you don’t like spice, you can always omit it but I just love the kick the jalapeno adds with the ginger! This is definitely “healthy” comfort food….and there’s nothing wrong with that.
On another note, I’m flying to Chicago today! Do any Chicago people have restaurant recommendations? Preferably somewhere that serves both bacon drippings and lentils? And, if any of you Chicago people happen to see a crazy person dancing in the snow while eating deep dish pizza, don’t be alarmed. #prayingforsnow
Gingery Red Lentils & Rice
serves 2-4
Ingredients:
1.5 tbsp olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, minced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
juice and zest of one lemon
1 1/4 cup red lentils
~3 cups water (more of less depending on desired consistency)
1 tsp salt
white or brown rice, cooked
Directions:
Heat the olive oil over medium high heat and add the onions. Saute for about eight minutes, until tender and beginning to caramelize. Then, add garlic, carrots, celery, ginger, lemon zest and jalapeno. Saute for another six minutes, until veggies just start to soften and become tender.
Add lentils, water and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender and thick. Stir in the lemon juice. You might need to add a little more water at the end.
Serve lentils over rice.
Time:
45 minutes
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{ 94 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds healthy as well as delicious. Red lentils are my favorite kind of lentils.
This recipe looks fabulous. Lentils are the best winter food, and ginger is my favorite. Making very soon.
This sounds amazing – I absolutely love the combination of garlic and ginger. I also add jalapeños to everything! In th summer, my mom and I both grow our own and freeze them to have year round. Spicy deliciousness!
This sounds so fresh and healthy! Love it!
Yum! That looks delicious- and easy to make- plus easy to pack for lunch the next day!
Giordano’s pizza is a MUST……it is the most delicious, life changing pizza you will ever eat- and this is coming from a grad student in clinical nutrition who thought the concept of Chicago style pizza was disgusting. Before I got dragged there the first time, I argued, saying ‘Did I really want to eat ALL that cheese and bread and meat when I knew how bad it was for me?’ The answer; YES. Yes, I did. Worth every single calorie.
YES JENNA!!! Please, for the love of God, Giordano’s!
These look so good! I have some red lentils I bought in the Whole Foods bulk section and I’ve been just waiting for the right recipe to inspire me to make them. I finally found it, thanks!!
My favorite deep dish pizza in Chicago is absolutely Lou Malnatis….delicious. And one of my favorite restaurants in general is Cafe Ba Ba Reeba. Best. Tapas. Ever.
I live in Chicago and there’s no snow yet ! Kind of shocking !
I would highly recommend that you try Avec or Blackbird. You will adore Avec and it’s a foodie’s dream. The Publican is also well-loved. And you would certainly like The Girl and The Goat (owned by Stephanie Izard from Top Chef). If you want the hot dog and occasionally fries cooked in duck fat, go to Hot Dougs which is another chef secret !
Have a fun trip — what brings you to Chicago?
visiting my grandparents (they live in wisconsin but who can go to wisconsin without also going to chicago?)!
I have to second the recommendation for The Publican. pork heaven and great drinks.
I have never tried red lentils before! This looks fab
Sounds like an excellent post-yoga meal! I can’t say I’ve ever been to Chicago so I have no recommendations for you, but I’m sure you’ll find something great – I’ve heard a lot of good things about the food there and would love to go. Safe travels!
Hi Jenna, I have a sensitive digestive system and have shied away from beans in fears of the *gassy* effects. I am interested to add them back in some more though. What is a good place to start? Lentils?
I adore rice because it it is so smooth on the stomach! I do not like ginger, however, such a strong aftertaste.
what a pretty dish
I’ve never tried lentils like this before.
I’ve been to Chicago! You have to go to Giordano’s for their famous deep dish pizza. I’m sure you will find a lot around the city but Giordano’s is the famous one and most popular. I went and it’s SO good. I got the meat lovers one and you do have to wait 45 minutes for it to be done — so worth it. They have really cool decor on the inside too
have fun!! And of course, you’ll have to check out the bean!!
Chicago is my (second) home town! I recommend two stops in my old Lincoln Park ‘hood:
Hema’s, for the most delicious Indian food imaginable. (Clark and Fullerton-ish)
And then you want, no, NEED to go to Molly’s Cupcakes. (Just a few blocks North of Hema’s on Clark) There is no shame in getting a box of four.
I will be insanely jealous of you for having the meal of my dreams. And I will be having the exact same meal when I’m in Chi for Christmas:) PS, love your blog more than words can say:)
Molly’s is good but Sweet Mandy B’s on Webster has the best buttercream frosting I have ever eaten. I need to try Hema’s.
Bristol in Bucktown is amazing, and so is Longman and Eagle in Logan Square although the neighborhood is a bit strange if you aren’t local. Chilam Balam in Lakeview is also really good. And Lou Malnati’s is the best deep dish pizza if you like crust – theirs is delicious!
It depends on what kind of food you want!
Avec and Blackbird are next door to each other– Avec is small-plates, kind of Mediterranean-influenced… but they do have this one signature dish you might like– bacon wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo. Blackbird is fancier and takes reservations.
But one of my personal favorites in Lula Cafe in Logan Square– it’s definitely the kind of place that would have both lentils and bacon.
Hi Jenna,
You should try Fountain head in Lincoln Square. It is more on the bacon drippings side of things but fantastic. In the same area Glenn’s Diner and Bad Apple are also wonderful. I could go on and on. Enjoy Chicago!
http://fountainheadchicago.com/
http://glennsdiner.com/
http://www.badapplebar.com/
Kate
I second the Avec and Blackbird recommendations. Also, the Publican is a fun rustic type of restaurant. I’ve also come to love the Girl and the Goat! A top chef star’s restaurant! It is super fun, has a great drink list, and the food is unreal! Must try the goat gorgonzola ice cream!!!
Yum! This reminds me of something I made last night that i feel like you’d appreciate.. quinoa with spinach and butternut squash. So good and ‘healthy comfort food’ like you called it.
i’m not a huge fan of beans, but i love lentils! and ginger. yum!
Yes, I second Girl & The Goat while in Chicago. It’s Stephanie Izzard’s restaurant from Top Chef! And it’s awesome.
Check out Hop Leaf in Andersonville. Best known for their mussels, but have awesome spins of classics— like a DUCK REUBEN!!! nom nom And great beer/wine list.
I love how quickly lentils come together, but they always seem so boring to me. It’s a shame because they really are a great source of protein + vitamins. I have exactly one lentil recipe that I like, so I need to start branching out and enjoying more zesty ones. Keep ‘em coming!
My love of ginger is growing and it’s most likely due to the aroma while cooking!
Also…I just made a dish involving lentils for the first time a few days ago-love at first bite!
This dish looks so beautiful! I love all the colors of it! I typically only eat lentils in soup but I may need to experiment with this!
Pinning this recipe! Yum!
I second the Publican. It’s delicious but not too pricey. But no native Chicagoan would go to Giordano’s. It’s like mall pizza. Here is the real deal: http://www.pequodspizza.com/lincolnpark.html
Love TJ jalepanos! Just got a batch to make your Asian Chicken Noodle Soup and I may have to some of the leftovers to make this.
Have a great trip, Jenna!
I second Jill. Stay away from Giordano’s. Pequod’s and Art of Pizza are the best places in the city. Hop Leaf is good but can be a little hipstery (an in an unauthentic way). Kuma’s Corner has great burgers (Bad Apple is a close second and the lines are shorter). Sprout has a kind of pricey fixed price menu that people love (I’m a picky eater so set menus don’t really jive with me). Ras Dashen up in Edgewater is a little off the beaten path but has some pretty fantastic Ethiopian food. And check out the Paulina Meat Market. It’s a cool little butcher and specialty store and the samples alone are worth the trip!
I waited 1.5 hours for a table a Kuma’s corner and it was worth every second. plus how can you beat heavy metal burgers? you can’t.
My mind is in the (Christmas) Gutter b/c when I read
“gingery red lentils & rice”
I thought it said “gingerybread lentils & rice” <– which wouldn't have been a bad thing
Yoga and lentils….sounds like a deadly combination to me!
Lentils SCREAM fall to me. I love them with just about everything this time of year. *especially hot sauce.
Piece in Bucktown has the best thin-crust pizza I’ve ever had in my life!! You must go there if you want a change from the Chicago style deep dish.
Hi Jenna! Love your website, recipes, stories, adventures and life! This recipe looks delicious…love my lentils. As for Chicago, you must go to Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. Not your typical pizza, but pizza pot pie’s!! Suggested menu items: Mediterranean Flat Bread, Chef’s Salad (with their incredible house dressing) and the 1/2 pound pizza pot pie. Check out the website and let the salivation begin! http://www.chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com/menu.htm *cash only
Love this recipe! It looks like the perfect supper solution for all the cold weather we’ve been having up north.
someone already flagged Andersonville for you as a hot spot for restaurants . . . . if you want the BEST LENTIL SOUP YOU’VE EVER HAD AND OMIGODWHATDOTHEYPUTINTHISBECAUSEITLOOKSLIKEJUSTLENTILSANDONIONSBUTOMIGOD . . . go to Taste of Lebanon just west of the corner of Foster and Clark in Andersonville. Hole in the wall. Cash only. Closed on Sundays. I also really dig their tabouli and fool mudammas. Falafels are well-composed, but not as noteworthy as the foregoing. Also, there is a good coffee shop north on clark a ways called The Coffee Studio, and a good italian pastry shop nearer to there called Pasticceria Natalina, if you want to make a full morning of it.
sounds AMAZING
I am many things . . . and a hyperbolizer is one of them . . . but I have taken many a skeptic for such soup with UNIVERSAL success. Just sayin’.
wait, didn’t the sicilian bakery close? but the swedish bakery is there
So many great places to eat in Chicago! You should check out: MK, Girl and The Goat and RL.
oh yeah . . . and Hot Doug’s.
http://hotdougs.com/
I second Hot Doug’s. I walked about 6 miles to get there (instead of taking the bus). It was totally worth it, even with the line around the corner.
Oh wow, I love this! This look so good and hearty. I have some lentils that I need to use up… I now know what I’ll use them for. Thanks!
I made a large batch of quinoa last night so I’m going to try and sub in that instead of rice because I have everything else on hand
thanks for the great recipe! And there is NOTHING wrong with bacon drippings!
I’m so glad you invited me over for lunch! Oh…wait.
have fun in chi-town!
I live in Chicago and completely agree with the Girl and the Goat recommendations (impossible to get reservations this time of year but go early and sit at the bar/lounge area). Spiaggia Cafe is one of my absolute favorites, right across the hall from the famous Spiaggia. Cafe has more reasonable prices but the staff and food is just as amazing. For brunch you have to check out Uncommon Ground in the Lakeview neighborhood, you will not be disappointed. As for pizza, Pequod’s and Art of Pizza are my favorites…but Chicagoans could debate for years over the best pizza!
Have fun, we are expecting a little snow tonight but so far it has been a snow-less and pretty mild winter (although it is supposed to be in the 20s and 30s all weekend so dress warm)!
We’re getting snow tonight here in KC – maybe it’ll make it’s way to Chi-town in the morning!
Have a great trip.
I have so many bags of lentils in the pantry (because I’m easily amused by different colors) and never really know what to do with them. Sometimes they get thrown into something that’s “stuffed” but that’s about it. This is a great way to use some up, highlighting the lentil!
The purple pig is great and Mmmm…the best pizza place is def donatos pizza!
The Girl & the Goat – Ah. Maze. Ing.
OOo I love lentils! I might make this this weekend, mmmm.
I second Avec (get the stuffed medjool dates!), The Girl and the Goat and Molly’s Cupcakes.. nomz. Avec & Girl and the Goat both serve small plates, so you can try a few different things. Molly’s Cupcakes has SWINGS to sit on while you indulge yourself in sugary goodness. Giordano’s is meh. Pretty much any place you go to will be delicious, though! What area will you be in?
Lou Malnati’s or Pequod’s for deep dish. Do not question this. Lou’s has a more natural sauce with chunks of tomatoes, while the other is more saucy. Both are outstanding. Both are outstanding. M. Henry in Andersonville does a great brunch. Please please please do not leave Chicago without eating at one of Rick Bayless’ restaurants. I would consider it a personal affront.
noted!! Thanks!
if you are looking for pizza, i second the recommendation for Piece or Pequod’s! or d’agastinos is a great choice for thin crust pizza. their sausage and giardinara pizza is amazing!!
if you are looking for something bacon-y, check out the bacon fat popcorn at revolution brewery! popcorn, huge chunks of bacon, and shaved parm. sooooo good!!
i’m excited to hear what you try out!
This looks delicious, can’t wait to try it! Do red lentils tast much different than black lentils (this is the lazy part of me that is tempted to just buy the premade lentils at Trader Joe’s!)?
Ooo I second or third The Publican…they do things with meat there that are just phenomenal. If you are in the mood for Italianish type food check out Rose Angelis on Wrightwood–neighborhood shop with huge portions of absolutely amazing comforting pasta dishes–think pumpkin ravioli wth dates and walnuts in a mascarpone-marsala wine cream sauce or duck ravioli. You can’t go wrong. Also Rick Bayless restaurants are worth it–hit up brunch at Frontera on Saturday for an easier and cheaper way to try the food!
I second Rick Bayless! He has a couple of restaurants right next to each other, Topolobampo is a bit more upscale than Frontera, but both are amazing.
http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/topolobampo.html
http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/grill.html
And Xoco is more casual, dine in/carry out with tortas and caldos. Sooooo good.
Xoco’s hot chocolate… mm..
Rick’s XOCO concept is pretty awesome as well:
http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/xoco.html
The last time I was there Rick was actually cooking in the kitchen! So cool!
Lisa, that is incredible!
if you need cafe recommendations on the other hand….
Intelligentsia
The Wormhole
Ipsento
The Coffee Studio
Caffe Streets
and many more
Sounds delicious! I am a ginger fanatic. This is a kind of twist on kitchuri, which is very yoga-ish. It’s usually made with mung beans and rice but there are endless variations.
Totally! I love kitchuri.
Irazu – fantastic and cheap costa rican food. byob. the oatmeal shake is to die for.
Ann Sather’s – you must try their cinnamon rolls.
“little india” on devon avenue in roger’s park has a ton of delicious indian restaurants and grocery stores. you can buy lentils and spices galore!
also, if you’ve never been you should get a drink at the signature lounge on the 96th floor of the john hancock. absolutely stunning views of the city.
mmmmmm cinnamon rolls??! might have to make a pit stop there….
I agree, Irazu is amazing! I just moved away from Chicago last month after living there for 6 years, and one of the things I miss the most is Irazu for their veggie burritos and oatmeal milkshakes. Also, Big Star has the most delicious (and cheap) tacos (like corn and truffle), but they get busy in the evening. If you want vegan comfort food, go to Karyn’s on Wells and Chicago, otherwise across the street is Yolk for brunch (they have a few locations around the loop/near north), their red velvet french toast is so. good. If red velvet isn’t your thing they also have cinnamon roll french toast which is cinnamon rolls cooked like french toast. I kid you not, it’s ridiculously good.
Try Girl and the Goat in Chicago, but you’ll need reservations… it’s amazing!
Are canned lentils fine or do you use dried prepared?
Use dried—you cook them with the vegetables and water
So they don’t need pre-soaking like beans?? Thanks for your response.
no they don’t!
I’ve heard many, many good things about Avec. Also, if you want a lovely dinner place, Girl and the Goat…http://www.girlandthegoat.com/
And mmm, i’m on a total lentils kick lately too!
Piece for Pizza.
Saw someone else recommend Cafe Ba Ba Reeba- get a pitcher of sangria, you will not be sorry.
And my personal favorite- Sapori Trattoria in Lincoln Park (At Halsted and Schubert). Be sure to ask for a table away from the door
Maybe I’ll see you around town! I’ll be the other girl dancing around most likely with a slice of pizza in her hand.
I made lentils last night for dinner. Sometimes I forget how much I like them. For anything pork related in Chicago, you can not beat the Purple Pig. To die for.
I’m so jealous of you getting to go to a new town and seek out the best food – thats one of my favourite activities always. I hope you have a nice trip!
Cafe Ba Ba Reeba is my favorite Chicago restaurant- amazing tapas, and you can never go wrong with sangria. I also recommend a wonderful Italian restaurant named Scoozi, which I went to for my sister’s bachelorette weekend. Another interesting late night spot is the Drawing room. Great drinks and food until really late. Other things to do off the top of my head:
-Have a drink in the Palmer House Hilton Hotel on Monroe St.- beautiful hotel!
-Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
-Have a martini & fried mac n cheese at Fat Cat
-Look at all the pretty Christmas decorated windows at Macy’s
-Lincoln Square is a must- Merz Apothecary will take all of your money and time though! But you absolutely must go here!!
I LOVE CHICAGO.
Gioco’s. S. Wabash
I’ve had both brunch and lunch at Gioco’s. The food and service was great both times. Italian, but not heavy.
http://www.giocorestaurant.com/
Alanna
Gioco is the shiz. Wild boar ragout with pappardelle fo’ sho’. Or the lamb chops. Or whatever else on the menu. Plus I used to live two blocks away.
I’ll second the Logan Square restaurants mentioned above: Longman and Eagle and Lula Café. The first has a “use the whole animal” ethos (think sweet breads) as well as great drinks. I’m a vegetarian and I still like the place. Lula is similar to Chez Panisse (though not as good, in my opinion) and has very creative dishes. Both places serve great brunches, too, but you may have to wait for a table. Have fun!
Avec is fabulous! 2 of my favorites there: focaccia with gooey taleggio cheese & truffle oil AND chorizo-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon swimming in this delicious meaty sauce. It’s a really cool atmosphere too. Just make sure to put your name in and plan on getting a drink elsewhere while you wait.
If you’re shopping on Michigan Ave. and looking for a tasty lunch spot, try Heaven on Seven on Ohio St. & order a bowl of their gumbo (comes with their honey butter & crusty bread). They also have yummy pecan pie
You’re in my neck of the woods! If you make it to the Oak Park/Forest Park area, you must try Caffe deLuca! It’s so dang good! As are they martinis.
If you can get a reservation at Frontera Grill or don’t mind getting there on the earlier side, try it, Rick Bayless is amazing! Also, Spacca Napoli is one of my favorite spots. It is Neapolitan Pizza. Another place would be Mindy’s Hot Chocolate for Hot Chocolate or a regular meal. Have fun!
Hi – I’m a loyal reader and a chicagoan! You should check out Lula Cafe in Logan Square. It specializes in really uniquely crafted cocktails and local, ridiculously good food. So, it’s got the farm-to-table thing going on, bringing seasonal deliciousness together with…you guessed it, bacon drippings! http://lulacafe.com/
Have a great time!
Hi Jenna,
I love your blog and appreciate the fabulous recipes you create and share. Many of them have become favorites of mine. I am making the gingery red lentils recipe and am wondering what you do with the lemon and zest that you included in the ingredient list.
Thanks.
Laura
Besides the obvious Giordano’s Deep dish pizza (or any place with deep dish pizza), I’m surprised nobody mentioned Chicago Diner! Its where I had my first vegan Reuben sammich (I’m not vegan) and it was delish! Save room for dessert, their cakes are legit!
Oh!…and you must try a Chicago Dog…when in Chicago…
Yelp is your friend. =)
Enjoy!
Just made this! Used some zucchini instead of celery because that’s what I had on hand. They smelled just as good as they tasted! Thanks, Jenna!
Hi Jenna!
When does the lemon juice and zest go in?
Wow, great blog.Really thank you! Really Cool.
I made this tonight and really enjoyed it! I think next time I would use a little less water though; I kept cooking the lentils hoping the water would soak up, but they started turning to mush. oops, live and learn I guess! The dish still tasted great and I’m planning to make it again. Thank you Jenna!
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