In the summertime, there aren't many things I like more than ..
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night walks, and a really good book
Lately, I've been reading Shauna Niequist's Present Over Perfect. Admittedly, this one is taking me a while because it's the sort of book I like to savor. A gift from a friend, with the sweetest hand-written note on the inside cover
I'm just shy of halfway through, and while I'm not exactly as she describes herself (busy, extroverted, and over-booked), a lot of what she wrote feels familiar. I often take on too much; there are simply too many cool things to do in the world. I get overwhelmed easily and have been reminding myself lately to respect my own pace
The introvert in me requires large amounts of alone time. The puppies spend a few hours at their daycare in the afternoons, so I'm able to work, uninterrupted on my cooking and photography for The Veggies. I need (at least) a forty-five-minute walk around the neighborhood to maintain my sanity, and utopia is making it to an exercise class that day as well
I've always been nocturnal and love to putter around in the quiet of the early morning hours, long after everyone else has gone to bed. It's when I do all of my writing. Lately, I've been taking my laptop outside to sit on our back deck underneath the stars, and listen to the cicadas sing their songs
I've learned most of these things by not having them and missing them terribly
The author describes it as learning to say “no.” Admittedly, a skill I've been practicing over and over again throughout the years.
“What's changing everything for me is a new understanding that we get to decide how we want to live. We get to shape our days and our weeks, and if we don't, they'll get shaped by the wide catch-all of “normal” and “typical,” and who wants that?
You can live on a farm or out of a backpack. You can work from your kitchen or in a high-rise. You can worship in your living room or a cathedral. Isn't that beautiful? And exciting? And so full of freedom? You get to make your life. In fact, you have to. And not only can you make it, but you can also remake it.” ~ Shauna Niequist
A few chapters later she adds
“and I know that ‘should' is one of my warning signs – that frequently I pay more attention to how I should feel about something than how I actually do feel about it.”
I think about it when I'm taking the puppies for their night walks.
We mosey around a few blocks while they sniff everything there is to be sniffed, and stop for a few minutes to sit in the grass to have their favorite snack. There's something lovely about the warm summer breeze, the smell of flowers, not having to wear shoes or a jacket
On our way home, we pass by their favorite neighbor's house. At this month's Spaghetti Saturday, I asked about retirement. She smiled and said “I'm so happy to simply be, and let the days unfold however they may”
Perhaps I'll have more nuggets for you when I'm able to finish it, but these words from two very wise women have been on my mind this week
My tendency is to always over-complicate food. Sometimes a recipe serves as a potent reminder to just let things taste of what they are, with all of their extra freshness.
I also know that when life gets busy, I have a hard time finding minutes to cook.
Even though you love food, who opens the fridge to grab a quick lunch, only to find nothing that sounds good? You're a little down on yourself because you made the resolution to eat healthier, and it went by the wayside after the self-gifted box(es) of chocolates when life wasn't going as planned
Believe me; I understand.
So today I honor you (us?) with a delicious, nutritious, and easy recipe. An herby, fresh Mediterranean style bowl, featuring marinated lentils, sun-dried tomatoes, cucumber & homemade hummus. Because the best kinds of detox foods are those that actually taste good
It's the kind of meal that comes together fast. While the lentils cook, you make the marinade and chop some herbs. Toss it all together, and lunch is pretty much taken care of for the week. Easy, delicious, and energizing, three of my forever favorites
For this post, I fashioned mine as a Mediterranean-style bowl because I had some homemade hummus, tomatoes, and cucumber on hand. But I also love these lentils on salads, scooped up with Mary’s Crackers, or with some sautéed veggies and a topper of ripe avocado ..
they're incredibly diverse.
One other item of mention: I used my slow-roasted tomatoes instead of the sun-dried tomatoes, mostly because I had them on hand and knew they would be really great
Enjoy!
xoxo
~ Adapted from Oh She Glows Every Day by Angela Liddon
Mediterranean-Style Detox Bowl with Marinated Lentils
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked French green lentils
- ½ cup uncooked green or brown lentils
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp + 1 ½ tsp red wine vinegar, or to taste
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice (fresh is best)
- 1 ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ tsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 to 1 ½ cups thinly sliced green onions (about 1 medium bunch, dark and light green parts only)
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley leaves, minced
- ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Lentils
- Pick over the lentils, discarding any debris before rinsing and draining them
- In a medium saucepan over medium to high heat, add the lentils, along with 4 cups water and bring to a boil
- Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until they're tender.
- Drain
- Mediterranean Bowl
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the green onions, parsley, and tomatoes.
- Spoon them into the bowl with the other ingredients (it’s okay if they are still warm) and stir well.
- Season with additional salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, or let cool slightly and then cover and marinate in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight.
- Stir well before serving
51 Comments
So first: This recipe sounds delicious. But I think thats a pretty obvious thing, as I am always looking for new vegetarian recipes. I actually have the book that you referenced. I have been meaning to read it, but life has been pretty busy, and its just got pushed back. From the sounds of it though, it is one that I definitely need to move up on my list.
I also love walking on summer nights with my dogs. Especially in the early summer, here in Sweden it will stay light until 11pm, which means that while its nice and cool, it is not too dark out! (Although in winter its the exact opposite.) I am definitely putting this recipe on my list though, as I need to work on actually cooking healthy food again.
Looking forward to hearing what your final takeaways from the book are!
Great recipes! I have heard a lot of good benefits of a Mediterranean dish, judging by what the health nuts say. It almost turned me vegan. 🙂
I have never tried lentils before, not quite sure why. I have to say that your recipe looks absolutely delicious, and I learned something new. I never would have thought lentils were for detoxing. Thank you!
I wish I could go on summer night walks, but that would require me walking after 10/11 p.m. Around 6 it is still in the 100s and very difficult to walk in by me 🙁
Oh golly, this sounds delish! Love the storyline & the mixture of spices with the food. Fun & timely post!
I saw this and thought this is something I need to make and try but it just looks too complicated. When I scrolled down, I saw that, although there are quite a bit of ingredients, it doesn’t seem that complicated at all. I’m printing this out for dinner next week!
I am an early bird so don’t understand how anyone could do their best work at night, I wold make so many errors if I even tried to write at night! Do you come up with these great recipes in your sleep? I am not great in the kitchen and prefer recipes that have ingredients commonly found in my pantry and fridge, for this recipe I just need to add lentils to my grocery list which means it is something I can make without too much effort and that’s what I need.
Although what you have cooked looks healthy and delicious I am more interested in the book “Present Over Perfect” and the insights you have gained as a result of reading it. I am an introvert as well but have to operate as an extrovert because of my job which makes me busy and overbooked. I will look for the book on Amazon.
It’s funny because I actually consider preparing lentils to be complicated because I have to plan in advance to soak them. I made a similar recipe to yours with an egg for added richness. But your yummy dressing with Dijon and maple syrup, very close to what I use as a salmon marinade, would blow mine lentil recipe away.
I do like to write when everyone has gone to bed or in the early mornings when half the world and household are sleeping. I get my best ideas then. The recipe looks great nad so protein packed with all the lentils.
Aw I am a nocturnal creature as well and like you I find that long walks can often restore my sanity . I know what you mean by being overworked, it is amazing how much you manage to juggle at once you are incredible. That book sounds like it offers some sound life advice; the detox bowl looks delicious and it looks quick and easy to prepare which is ideal in my eyes x
I’ve been looking for detox foods – I’ve been feeling so sluggish lately and have been looking to change the way I eat. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I love Mediterranean food and would definitely eat it with hummus like you did. The best part is that I have the majority of the ingredients at home – win!
I couldn’t agree more with alone-time. I myself am an introvert, though people hardly believe it because I can get a conversation going if I want to and come off more “outgoing” depending on my surroundings and the situation. These lentils look deeeelish! Excuse my poor spelling, but it’s the only way I think I can express how tasty this dish looks! Yum!
We enjoy taking after dinner walks with the kids. It is nice when it finally cools off a bit. I just got a lot of Lentils and I honestly do not know how to cook them. So this recipe really comes at a great time. I am hoping to use the lentils I have to make something delicious.
I enjoy writing when everyone is off sleeping too, but I really enjoy composing in the early morning. I prepare my coffee and sit back on the deck and just listen to the birds. It’s such a peaceful time for me. I have also been trying to find a way to live a more healthier life and your detox recipe appears to be one I need to try. Thanks for sharing this too!
I, too, find myself most productive in the morning…I don’t do much reading or writing outside though and that’s something I’d really like to get into more…on the subject of getting into more, saying no is another constant struggle as well but it’s a steady progression toward getting better.
I absolutely love Mediterranean dishes! This sounds especially delicious. I am a little unsure about the maple syrup. I don’t typically like it, but I’m guessing with all the other spices, the flavors really work well together! Haven’t had lentils in awhile. I’ll have to add this to my list of recipes to try! My husband would love it!
Marinated lentils are a good alternative to rice. I don’t like overcomplicating food though. Making simple but delicious and healthy food is always what we do at home, especially on busy days.
We have to take our pups on night walks as well. It is just too hot in Texas to go before 9:00 pm or their little paws will get burned hot from the hot concrete. I actually think they enjoy night time walks more as there are less dogs out walking. I have only used canned beans in salads, so I’m excited to use dry lentils. Your Mediterranean Salad is so colorful and the dressing sounds delicious with the maple syrup. .
I have been more a fan of detox drinks, but this seems like a nice option too. I usually like to snack on a sprouted version of this recipe with apple cider vinegar and honey instead of red wine vinegar and maple syrup, but this seems like a nice option too…will try it with hummus sometime
Sounds like an interesting book you’ve been reading, it’s nice to be able to walk around at night with the dogs and reflect x
I always liked to think of mysel as an ambivert, but as I get older my introvert side shows a lot more. I used to always want to be in the company of others, usually spreading myself thin to do so. Now, I rather stay in by myself or with one or 2 close friends.
Also, this recipe looks like a better version of A Chipotle burrito bowl! LOL Can’t wait to try it out!
Lentils are something I’ve never really paid too much attention to, but I know that they’re something I should try to work in to my meals! This sounds delicious, and I love the fact that it has detoxifying properties, especially during the summer when I tend to indulge a little.
I have to admit that I was never a fan of lentils growing up and I’ve not eaten them since but they are a good alternative to the usual grains like rice or pasta and they’re versatile too, I love anything with Mediterranean flavours too so this looks so yummy, and healthy too!
I like doing evening walks as well in summer but because at the moment I am feeling quite lonely, I don’t really go out much. I will have a friend’s dog for 2 weeks soon, so I will be forced to go out. I think it’s such a nice feeling to just walk, while your mind goes far, far away, and all of a sudden you find yourself back home and think when did the time flew by.
I haven’t had lentils before, but this looks so good. I think my husband would even eat it. Of course mine won’t have eggs with it, but his would. Man do I miss eggs.
I too am an introvert, which sounds strange as I’m a lifestyle blogger and obviously inviting people into my life. I do like and crave a lot of alone time but struggle as I’m a single mum to two under 5s so rarely get it. I’m learning to grasp my 3 miles drive between the school drop off and work as my quiet time for solitude.
I am part of a Parisian group that starts the day at 5am. Mornings are all to me. Your bowl sounds pretty familiar to me, as a Mediterranean girl myself.
That looks absolutely delicious. I actually don’t like beans, so that’s too much for me, but I try to eat more since it’s good for your health. Also as I recall lentils have a lot of health benefits too!
Someone told me recently that highly creative and talented people are mostly nocturnal. So this is good news for you and me both. I love the silence of the night , there is a certain freedom and feeling of calmness about it. I have to say though I was just a little bit jealous at your delicious description of bringing your laptop out on the veranda under the stars and listening to the cicadas which you click on the keys creating your posts….A bit like me here in Ireland…………NOT!!! The weather is far to harsh . Have a great summer x
My family LOVES lentils. We haven’t really experiement with a variety of recipes aside from the tradition way my mother in law taught me. But this looks delicious and so healthy and more filling.
I actually suffer from Thalassemia and Lentils are one of my BFFs. This looks like a very simple and time efficient recipe. Your post reminds us that for the time constricted, there are options to make delicious and healthy foods. I love the photography as well. It makes it look really enticing.
This looks amazing. I can’t wait to try it out. I absolutely love love love lentils.
This one looks so healthy, nutritious and the best part..easy to make!
I am definitely trying it for my dinner tomorrow
Oh lentils taste great with everything, don’t they? Your photography is out of this world, I kept scrolling up and down not getting enough of your wonderful work!
Night owls… UNITE! LOL. I am too. I love what your neighbour said about letting each day unfold. That can be one of the toughest undertakings to be able to do and feel comfortable with just allowing things to be. As to this recipe, holy moly, that looks incredibly delicious!
I love this recipe. I am definitely guilty of struggling to eat a healthy lunch because I just don’t have time to prep something balanced. Prepping the lentils ahead and throwing a bowl like this together sounds perfect for an afternoon boost.
I also have a problem with trying to do everything and meet every expectation. The book sounds so good I just went out today and bought a copy because it is something I definitely can benefit from reading. Thanks so much for that suggestion. Now I just need to slow down and find some time to read it.
Working at home is never an easy task. You have to wake up early and sleep late. So def can’t do any walking. But this recipe, looks really delicious. With those ingredients, I guess my mom would be cooking instead of me.
When I was younger I always tried to over-complicate food, and it almost ALWAYS ended in disaster. Because, I realised, I’m not that good a cook! Nowadays I stick to really simple, tasty dishes. And I often use lentils in my food so I’ll definitely be giving this recipe a try 🙂
Louise x
I love the note about respecting your own pace. That’s something I struggle with because I am so bad about comparing my success to someone else’s without even considering the fact that me and that person are on two different paths and timelines. Also, this meal looks really good. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever had lentils before. LOL
I love the note about respecting your own pace. That’s something I struggle with because I am so bad about comparing my success to someone else’s without even considering the fact that me and that person are on two different paths and timelines. Also, this meal looks really good. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever had lentils before. LOL!
This is making my mouth water. I love lentils, I will have to make this for meal prep and try in different ways such as quesadillas. And it is healthy I do not feel guilty.
Two things: I savored every line of Shauna’s newest book (I’m a fan of hers) and was soooo encouraged as well as convicted by her story. Secondly, your lentil bowl is simply amazing. I’m loving your photography as well as healthy dishes! You’re doing such a creatively good work here ?
Looks good. Guess you could just as well stuff it all in some pita bread. Maybe add some minty-yoghurt sauce. Oh, I’m so going to do this.
Oh my goodness, this lentil bowl looks absolutely amazing. I’ve been told that lentils are absolutely beneficial to our health and have such a huge source of protein in them. I’ve never tried them, but this dish makes them look absolutely delisioush!
This looks amazing! I really would eat this for a weekend lunch at home with a glass of white wine.
WOW! What a wonderfully versatile recipe. I love the fact that literally, you could serve these next to many many other dishes. Beautiful photos and a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing, these lentils look “oh so yummy!”
Love this recipe! I have a serving suggestion: Place a mound of the marinated lentils on top of a baked, halved acorn squash. Best served warm. Beautiful presentation and delicious!
First off, I love lentils in all their various shades; pink, brown, purple, black and white.. that salad looks inviting!
I’m nocturnal too and get chores done after hours. I used to write at night but prefer to do so in the day time now. I guess we change as we age and adopt new habits… and learn to delegate or simply say — no more. 🙂
Being a vegetarian lentils are included in my daily diet. But I never tried lentil’s salad and this recipe really looks very innovative and new for me. Mediterranean styled lentil bowl looks like my evening snack. What a great way to detox!
This recipe looks so delicious I can’t wait to try it. I’m an Indian vegetarian, so lentils (dal in Hindi) is a must dish for every day; sometimes I get bored with the traditional way and look for ways to spice up the lentil. This one sure looks very interesting. Thanks for sharing Ali! 🙂