Ingredients

3 carrots, chopped (1.5 cups)

1 onion, chopped (1.5 cups)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 dash red pepper, optional

nonstick cooking spray

2 cups dried red lentils (12 oz), rinsed

4.5 cups chicken broth

1 Tbs chopped fresh oregano

1 Tbs chopped fresh rosemary

1 Tbs lemon juice

freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Place the carrots, onion, garlic, and crushed red pepper, if desired, in a medium microwave bowl. Add 2 Tbs water and cover with wax paper. Microwave on high 4 min.
  2. Coat the inside of a 4-qt slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the onion mixture, lentils, and broth. Cover and cook on low heat for 5.5 hours.
  3. Stir in oregano, rosemary, lemon juice, and pepper to taste.