Healthy Thanksgiving Alternatives: Warm Lentil and Roasted Pepper Salad

Thanksgiving is around the corner.

For so many busy, working families in Bedford-Stuyvesant, this time of year is the only opportunity for relatives to gather in one place, relax and give thanks for the blessings of the past year and for those yet to come.

Food -- flavorful, down home, good food -- has always been central to Bed-Stuy family gatherings, a tradition that is steadfast and uncomprimising.

However, the health consequences of a growing obesity and diabetes epidemic in the community has created an urgent need to begin changing our relationship with food-- the types of foods we choose and how we prepare them.

Every day until Thanksgiving, Bed-Stuy Patch will feature a different healthy alternative to cooking up a flavorful Thanksgiving meal.

Check out today's pick for the tastiest and healthiest Thanksgiving recipe alternatives to help you save on the extra holiday pounds without cutting back on flavor!

Recipe #6

Warm Lentil and Roasted Pepper Salad

Serves four

Health experts say everyone should routinely include vegetarian meals in their diets to help reduce saturated fat and cholesterol. This hearty, Mediterranean-style dish is a satisfying and delicious way to do just that.

Ingredients

• 3 cups water
• 1 cup brown lentils
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup diced, drained, and rinsed canned roasted sweet red pepper
• 1 medium stalk celery, diced

• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 cup diced and seeded plum tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

 1 hour, 20 minutes

 Directions

• Bring water, lentils, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt to boil in 3-quart saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until lentils are firm but fully cooked, 20 to 30 minutes.

• Meanwhile, mix parsley, sweet pepper, celery, onion, tomatoes, garlic, lemon juice, oil, black pepper, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in large serving bowl.

• Drain lentils, add to serving bowl, and toss. Serve warm.

Recipe Provided by Reader's Digest

For more of BSP's picks for healthy Thanksgiving alternatives, check out:

• Healthy Thanksgiving Alternatives: Spicy Pumpkin Soup
• Healthy Thanksgiving Alternatives: Wild Rice Shiitake Stuffing
• Healthy Thanksgiving Alternatives: Cauliflower Mashed "Potatoes"
• Healthy Thanksgiving Alternatives: Fresh, Quick and Easy Cranberry Sauce