What's for Dinner?

Lentils in a Sauce

1 cup dried lentils, or French lentils

1 medium onion, finely chopped or grated

1 medium, very ripe tomato, grated (I had about 3/4 cup tomato sauce)

2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped

4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (I didn't have this)

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves (I didn't have this)

1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

freshly ground black pepper

1 1/4 to 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoons olive oil

Pick over the lentils and wash them in several changes of cold water.

Put the lentils, onion, tomato, garlic, parsley, cilantro, paprika, cumin, pepper to taste, and 3 cups of water in a medium pot and set on medium-high heat. Bring to a boil without allowing it to boil over. Turn the heat down to low and cover partially. Cook gently for 30 minutes. Add the salt and stir well. Cook, partially covered, another 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir in the oil. Serve hot.

Madhur Jaffrey's World Vegetarian