Lentils are best in a hearty soup

Once you've started using lentils you'll want to try them in other recipes and with varied sauces. They combine well with many familiar herbs and vegetables. Here are some of my favorite lentil recipes. Lentil Soup Ham or pork bone 1 pound lentils 3 quarts chicken stock 2 large onions, chopped 4 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup carrots, grated 1 teaspoon thyme

Put bone, lentils and stock in deep pot. Bring to a boil and simmer 1 1/2 hours. Remove bone.In frying pan, saute onions and carrots in butter until limp , but not brown. Add to lentils with thyme and simmer 1/2 hour longer. Season to taste. Serves 6. Lentil Salad 1 pound lentils 5 cups water 2 teaspoons salt 1 green pepper, diced 2 green onions, chopped 2 ribs celery, diced 1/2 cup olive oil 1 clove garlic, chopped 2 tablespoons wine vinegar 1 tablespoon salt 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped

Put lentils, water, and 2 teaspoons salt in saucepan. Bring to boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer until tender. Drain and cool. In large bowl make dressing with garlic, salt, olive oil, and vinegar. Add lentils, green pepper, onions, and celery. Toss lightly and garnish with egg. Serves 6 to 8. Chicken and Lentil Curry 1/2 cup lentils 2 cups water 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 large onions, chopped 3 cloves garlic, chopped 2 1/2 pound frying chicken, disjointed 2 teaspoons curry powder 3 large tomatoes, cut in wedges 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons salt

Simmer lentils in water until lentils are tender. Set aside, but do not drain. Heat oil in large frying pan and saute onions and garlic for 5 minutes.

Add chicken, curry powder and tomatoes. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add lentils, the water in which lentils were cooked, lemon juice,and salt and simmer for another 15 minutes. Serves 4.