Cancer Palate- Greek Lentil Stew Recipe

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Lentils are great; they are relatively easy to prepare and go well with most types of seasonings.  In addition, they are a good source of B-vitamins, iron, minerals and protein and may also help maintain blood sugar levels.  They are rich in dietary fiber, which can help with some of the digestive effects of cancer treatment (although, if you are suffering from diarrhea, you may want to watch your fiber intake).  This recipe for Greek Lentil Stew gives you all that and a savory mix of seasonings that hopefully will be a welcome kick-start to your palate, especially if eating during your treatment has been a turn-off.  Enjoy!

Greek Lentil Stew:

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small red onion, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow sweet pepper, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 cup lentils
  • 2 tsp. dried oregano
  • l tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 2½ cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth, divided
  • 1 medium zucchini squash, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened pomegranate juice
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 4 Tbsp. crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese

Directions

  1. In small Dutch oven or large, heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and sweet pepper and sauté for 1 minute. Cover pot tightly and cook over medium heat for 4 minutes so vegetables let their juices. Mix in garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.
  2. Mix in lentils, oregano and cinnamon and cook until seasoning is fragrant, 30 seconds. Pour in 2 cups of broth. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer lentils for 25 minutes. Add squash, tomato paste, juice and remaining broth. Simmer stew for 15 minutes, or until lentils are done to your taste. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Let stew sit, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, divided among soup bowls, with 1 tablespoon of feta sprinkled over each serving.
     Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research (www.aicr.org).
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