Most beans require soaking before they are cooked for several hours, but that is not the case for lentils. These small beans pack quite the folic acid punch and the entire meal can be prepared ahead of time and stored in jars on a shelf until ready to cook.

INGREDIENTS

1 bag of lentils
1 jar low sodium bacon bits
Dried onion
Dried garlic
Dried tomatoes
Mason jars with seals and lids
Low-sodium chicken broth

DIRECTIONS

1. Pour lentils into a bowl and pick out any foul beans or stones.
2. Fill a Mason jar 2/3 of the way with dried lentils.
3. Add bacon bits, dried onion, dried garlic and dried tomatoes to taste on top of lentils.
4. Top the jar with a seal and the ring lid.
5. Store until ready to cook.

PREPARATION

1. Pour jar of lentil into a large cooking pot.
2. Add enough low-sodium chicken broth to cover lentils.
3. Boil for 30 minutes or until the lentils are soft.
4. Add chicken broth as needed.
5. Serve as a soup or as beans with less fluid.

Nutritional Benefits: Folic Acid, Vitamins and Nutrients, Antioxidants
Category: Lunch, Dinner