Red Lentil Dip

This is one of our favorite lunches. It is super easy to make and very easy to adapt to whatever your family likes. I have picky eaters so the only spices I use are a little bit of garlic powder. After I make it I serve my kids their meal and then I mix in salsa too kick it up a little bit for Jeremy and I. I always double this amount when making this for my family. Another way to make it stretch is stir some cooked rice. The first couple of time I made this I used this exact recipe so I wanted to give you the very flavorful version recipe. Feel free to leave out any spices you want. All you have to have is the lentils and the vegetable broth. Just do what works for your family and your preferences! (When I am super tight on time I have just dumped the lentils and vegetable broth is a pot and just let it cook, not as flavorful as the recipe below but its still good! )

Red Lentil Taco Dip

1 cup finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon oil (I like olive oil or grapeseed oil)
1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2  teaspoon dried oregano
2  1/2 cups vegetable broth

Directions
In a large nonstick skillet, saute the onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add the lentils, chili powder, cumin and oregano; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Uncover; cook for 5 minutes or until mixture is thickened. Mash lentils. If you let it cool for just a little bit then it is easier to scoop out. I use my ice cream scoop- it just makes it look cute!

I like to serve this with some tortilla chips,apple slices, and lettuce. My son likes to make a “taco salad” with all of this.He loves it and he is my picky eater. Just dont be afraid to try new ways of making this using different combinations of spices. If you want to start really plain go ahead and then add in spice later. Same way with the texture. If you have a little one who has texture preference then adapt it ( example – let it cook a little longer and mash it really well for a really smooth dip).