Eating Healthy

One of my goals for the new year has been to make a greater effort to make healthy, tasty meals. I had a blast over the summer finding new recipes and trying them out. Since school has started, my enthusiasm has wavered a bit. I still love cooking- it's actually a stress reliving, relaxing activity to me when I'm not rushed.

One of my favorite recipes I've found is for these burgers. It comes from a recipe book called The Candle Cafe Cookbook. These burgers are oat and veggie-meat free, so my poor tummy likes them. The could also be made to be gluten-free if you don't put in the flour/bread crumbs.

Brown Rice and Lentil Burgers:

• 1/2 cup lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• bread crumbs or white flour (for helping it stick together if needed)

1. In a medium sauce pan, bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Add the lentils, reduce the heat, and cook until softened, about 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in another medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add the rice, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is just tender, about 40 minutes.
   
3. In a saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and saute the garlic, and onion until lightly browned.
   
4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
5. In a large bowl, combine lentils, rice, and sauted items. Add some bread crumbs/flour to hold the mixture together, if needed. Make into burger-sized patties and place on a baking sheet. Bake until firm, about 15 minutes.

Let me know what you think about them if you try out this recipe!