I’m off on holiday tomorrow. First stop Karlstad, Sweden then onto Turku, Finland with a quick stop in my beloved Stockholm enroute. It’s always exhilarating to go overseas but this trip is extra exciting as I get to spend lots of time with some very good friends who I haven’t seen in a long time. Hurrah!
Shamed by Brianna’s good example of using up everything in her fridge before leaving Japan, I have tried my best to do the same. The result was really very good indeed: a sort of pilaf with green lentils rather than rice.
Spiced Lentils and Greens
(for one, very rough quantities!)
75g puy lentils
1 cardamon pod
1 cinnamon stick
1 clove
2 peppercorns
1 tblspn ground nut oil
1 small onion, sliced
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 tspn ginger, finely chopped
1/4 tspn turmeric
1/2 tspn garam masala
1/4 tsp coriander
1/4 tsp chilli powder
1 courgette, quartered lengthways then cut into chunks
Handful of broad beans
Two handfuls of spinach
Fresh coriander and yogurt to serve
- Cook the lentils along with the cinnamon, cardamon, peppercorns and bay leaf according to instructions. Drain and remove the spices.
- Meanwhile, fry the onion in the oil until just brown.
- Add the garlic and ginger and cook for two more minutes.
- Add the spices and stir. Fry for one minute.
- Add the courgettes and broadbeans and cook until courgettes start to brown and are just cooked though.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add the lentils and combine gentle until heated through.
- Serve topped with yogurt and fresh coriander.
What an interesting recipe… and how very frugal of you
Have a great holiday – so nice to be seeing old friends!
I love the yogurt with the lentils here, and I hope you have a fabulous trip! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Zoinks!
I know that your BBM package is due to arrive any second now…will someone be holding or checking your mail for you while you’re away??
You know, I so enjoy “cleaning out the frig”! I seem to get more creative at that time. Yours sounds lovely and, whew, all of the ingredients! I bet that dish is very flavorful. Cannot wait to hear about your holiday! Have fun!
All the best for your vacation!!!
And I really have to say that the lentil dish looks great!
Are those lobster-shaped breads? How gorgeous.
Have a fabulous holiday. Eat well and take a bunch ‘o photos.
And some new recipes to bring back with you ….
have a great trip!
Hi! If you’re spending more than a few days in Helsinki, you might consider a day-trip to Tallinn!? I’d show you some nice cute cafes
Have a wonderful time and the recipe looks fantastic!
sometime being led by your ingredients makes a surprisingly good meal – as yours looks to be!
hope you enjoy your holidays – love the pics of the bread
Lentils are delicious and I haven’t made anything with them in ages, Wendy! What a wonderful idea!
Healthy and simple – looks delicious. Have a fab break with lots more great food.
Wow. I think YOU win the cleaning out the fridge game
Looks healthy and exquisite. I love lentils. Have a great time on your holiday!! We arrived in California yesterday and are still jetlagged, but it’s so nice to be home after a year of being away! Take care!
Hi,
This looks like great use of the fridge contents. Good to find your blog via the Uk Food Bloggers Association! I hope you have a great holiday!
Antonia
Great use of ingredients! And have a wonderful trip. we look forward to hearing about your adventures.
Hello from Montreal….what an adorable blog you have here! Hope you have a great vacation…
Aimee
Have a great time Wendy!
I’m off to Sweden (and Stockholm) in a few weeks time and have never been before. I would love to hear any recommendations from you about where to go to get a good Swedish meal! In the meantime, hope you have a great holiday and manage some berry picking while you’re there.
Annemarie
Have a great vacation! Your dish looks delicious.
Have fun with your friends Wendy. By the way, I did publish your soup, come take a look to what I did after. Have a safe trip back home.
I can never find the time to cook before I set off…
Thank you for all the kinds comments everyone! I’ll be posting about the trip and the food over the next few days.
Welcome to all you who visited for the first time!
Annemarie – I’ll post some Stockholm recommendations this week!