When you want something delicious, in a hurry and you want it vegetarian, gluten-free and full of protein – here is the answer!
Millet, Lentil and Vegetable Medley
As a meal or a side dish – it medley has it all!
Looking in my cupboard yesterday – I was searching for something meatless but delicious. And after a full day of appointments and errands, I wanted it to be easy enough to make without using the oven or stovetop for more than 10 minutes.
I thought about grilling out, but even that was too hot! The temperature was a record high, and tying the all-time record here in Denver yesterday… 105 degrees was recorded (at DIA airport). I had 102 in my backyard. UGH! I am NOT a lover of the heat. However, with low humidity, and in the shade… I was okay. In the car after a doctors appointment – not so much. The steering wheel was hotter’n blue blazes.
Here is the wonderful dish that made me happy in a hurry. Millet, Lentil and Vegetable Medley.
It was a light and delicious summertime meal full of goodness. It was filling and adding walnuts to this dish gave it a nice texture – crunch.
This dish has just a little bit of heat. But you could take that down a notch or take it out completely and still have a tasty wholesome dish.
What is in this medley mixture?
- ghee or extra virgin olive oil
- millet
- lentils
- Peas and Carrots
- golden raisins
- cilantro
- walnuts
- apple cider vinegar
- spices (turmeric, cumin, garlic, cayenne, black pepper and sea salt) or your favorite curry
- coconut sugar
There are so many grains that would go nicely in this dish. Brown rice, quinoa, kamut, Farro or wheat berries are what come to mind.
And the veggies are endless – corn, zucchini, edamame, cauliflower pearls, celery, red peppers, onions or parsley to name a few. I used walnuts in this dish, but I could see cashews or pine nuts in their place. Dried fruit? Cranberries. Yum.
I am sure I will also be making this medley into a veggie patty by adding a bit of flour and an egg for another quick and delicious meal!
Egg roll wrappers? Yes… I have some. Oh yes! This Millet, Lentil and Vegetable Medley would make an awesome egg roll filling! Now I just need an amazing dip to dip them in. Any ideas?
For all you flexitarians (flex·i·tar·i·anˌfleksəˈterēən/noun-plural noun: flexitarian a person who has a primarily vegetarian diet but occasionally eats meat or fish) out there, roasted chicken would be a good choice to add to this dish.
The temperatures are still rising today. But under 100 degrees is a good thing. Tomorrow? Back in the 80’s with some rain. Blessings upon us.
I think it is time to pack a lunch, go grab my daughter and my two granddaughters and head to the hills. I have always felt blessed living here in Colorado even as a child, knowing that in 20 minutes I can be among the pines, by a stream, and in cooler weather.
If you are fighting the heat where ever you are, you could make up this dish in just a few minutes, stay cool and enjoy your day!
Teri~
- 2 tbsp ghee or extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup millet, rinsed and cooked according to package
- 1-15 oz can organic lentils
- 1-12 oz package organic frozen peas and carrots
- ½ cup golden raisins
- ¼ cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup walnuts
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- spices- (1/4 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic, ¼ tsp cayenne, 1 tsp sea salt) or your favorite curry.)
- 1 tsp coconut sugar
- Heat ghee or extra virgin olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat.
- Add millet, lentils and peas and carrots and cook 5 minutes.
- Add golden raisins, cilantro, walnuts, apple cider vinegar and all of the spices and coconut sugar.
- Heat another 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Plate and serve!