Walnut Lentil Manicotti

If you have ever read my bio on the right side of the page, you can see I very clearly say, “I don’t write recipes.”

I lied.

I finally wrote my first Chubby Vegan original and I must say I am pretty happy about it. Now, I read lots of recipes- lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of recipes. So, if by some chance I got the inspiration on this recipe from something else than I apologize if I am ripping it off.

For now though I will take the credit and check this off my bucket list. Move over Martha, Chubby Vegan is moving in.

Okay, maybe not...

I was so excited about this recipe that I made my neighbor and her family come over and try it. Her 12 year old stepdaughter, who is unreal picky, loved it. I think my work here is done.

**drumroll**

Presenting my first Chubby Vegan original, Walnut Lentil Manicotti!

Recipe after the jump…

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Red Lentil Lasagna

When I first started cooking I was so scared to veer from a recipe. To me, a recipe is like the instructions on Ikea furniture, leave something out and it just won’t work right.

What I have slowly come to realize is that although there are some recipes that need to be followed pretty closely, there are others that can be adjusted a bit.

I had some extra red lentils in my cabinet that I wanted to use so I went to my trustiest cookbook, Google, and started looking for something to do with them. Red lentil lasagna, sure!

The Top Layer

Only problem is I didn’t have everything the original recipe called for so I decided to take some liberties with it. Take this out, add this, adjust this… It worked! Success! I am the next vegan Julia Child! Respect...

Well not yet, but this lasagna turned out pretty darn good. 

I ate it like Garfield.You should too…

My slightly adapted Red Lentil Lasagna, after the jump…

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Chickpea Lentil Soup

I recently got a request from someone to post more lentil recipes.

Happy to oblige!

So this soup is super easy and uses ingredients that some people may just have lying around. I got this from a Veg News e-newsletter and it sounded good so I made it that day.

Now, you know I have to keep it real with all of you. I love my CV readers so I don’t want to lie to you. This soup is super easy to make, really low in calories, but it's a bit bland boring. If you want a basic and hearty soup, this will do the trick. Husband was NOT a fan, but he also isn’t really a big “soup person” all around.

Straight from the recipe, the flavors are basic and not anything crazy exciting. However, this is a great filling and inexpensive soup to make and freeze or pack for lunch for the week.

So although I am not giving it a rousing standing ovation I say try it for yourself. Add some more spices, throw more vegetables in, use a different lentil, or use some good quality vegetable broth! Add your own flair to it. Best part about soup is you can always make it your own with whatever you have.

Recipe and another photo after the jump…

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Lentils are Misunderstood

Do you consider lentils a meat substitute?

I am torn on this… They are high in protein, and they can be made into some really great main dishes like mujadara (which is amazing) and lentil soup. I think they get a bad rap, like brussels sprouts or lima beans. Whoever decided that brussels sprouts and lima beans should be vilified?

Save the lentil! Brussels sprout rights! That would make a kick ass t-shirt that I am currently designing in my head. © Chubby Vegan Designs 

I made a lentil loaf (after the jump) that was quite delightful. It is NOT a meatloaf made of lentils. It is a lentil loaf.

Meatloaf = Gross

Lentil Loaf = Delicious

There is a very clear distinction between the two although the ingredients are similar. Well, minus the rotting cow carcass. 

For whatever reason when I mentioned lentil loaf to people they turned their nose up. I don’t get it. Lentils are super nutritious, low in fat, high in folate, and high in fiber. Some could even call them a super food…

So lets embrace the lentil. Own it, love it, and eat it. Lentils for all!

You can start by making this super delish, easy and cheap lentil loaf.

Get the recipe and some prep photos after the jump.

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