Happy Daniel Plan, everyone!

I'm super excited to share some of the recipes I've already tried this weekend. I hope you'll hang in there for the whole 40 days. I know God has great things planned for us.

Meal 1 - Crockpot Lentils and Greens

2 c. lentils, rinsed
1 onion, diced
1 c. carrot, chopped
1 c. celery, chopped
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 c. ham, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. ground coriander
salt/pepper, to taste
6 c. water
1 bunch kale, chopped, stems removed
extra virgin olive oil
red pepper flakes

In your crockpot, mix everything but the kale, oil, and red pepper flakes. Cook on low all day, add extra water if needed. Add kale and stir. Let cook for 20 minutes. Spoon into bowls and drizzle with evoo and red pepper flakes. This step is optional but I think really makes the soup special.

Meal 2 - Brooke's 4 Bean Chili

1-2 lbs. ground beef, the leaner the better
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp. cumin
2 tbsp. chili powder
1 tbsp. smoked paprika
1/2-1 tsp. red pepper flakes or cayenne
1 c. celery, chopped
1 c. onion, chopped
1 c. bell pepper, chopped
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can dark kidney beans
1 can light kidney beans
1 can cannellini beans
1 can black beans, drained
1 cup corn, frozen is fine

Brown ground meat in big pot with oil. If it's really fatty, drain off fat. Add the garlic, seasonings, celery, onion, and bell pepper and cook until the onions are translucent. Add tomatoes with juices and scrap the brown bits off the bottom of the pan. Add the other beans and cook until all warmed through. I usually use some of the liquids from the beans. It's a personal preference. The last 5 minutes, add the corn. Enjoy!

Meal 3 - Stuffed Peppers from the book, page 323

It was ok but I would definitely add a couple cloves of garlic, 1 tsp. oregano, and 1 tsp. cumin. It was really bland to me but the kids liked it.

Meal 4 - Breakfast Quinoa Bake from the book, page 326

I made this as directed but added 2 diced apples to the mix before baking. I thought it was really good. The kids said it tasted like oatmeal but needed something sweet. I poured a tablespoon of real maple syrup to theirs and they ate it up. To be honest, I would like to add some syrup to mine too. Maybe after the detox. It was a lot of work for one large breakfast. Next time I make quinoa, I'll make enough to make this the next morning.

Side Dish - "Cabbage Steaks"

Some you asked how I cooked the cabbage this week. Here's the super easy recipe for you. I love this!

1 head of cabbage, cut into thick, 3/4 inch slices or "steaks"
extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place the "steaks" on cookie sheets. Drizzle the cabbage with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes. Take them out and flip each steak and continue roasting for 5-10 minutes.

The last recipe is not mine but it totally changed the way I cook brown rice. It comes out perfect and fluffy every time. I'm planning to make a big batch of this tomorrow and use it to make the beef and broccoli recipe.

The Best Way to Cook Brown Rice

From PinchMySalt.com

Rinse rice in a strainer under cold running water for 30 seconds, swirling the rice around with your hand. Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. When water boils, add the rice, stir it once. Turn heat to medium and boil, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. After 30 minutes, pour the rice into a strainer over the sink. Let the rice drain for 10 seconds, then return it to the pot, off the heat. Immediately cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and set it aside to allow the rice to steam for 10 minutes (if your pot lid isn’t extremely tight, place a piece of aluminum foil over pot then place the lid on top of foil for a tighter seal). After ten minutes, uncover rice, fluff with a fork, and season with salt to taste.


Have a great week and send me your recipes!

With great eats and a leaner body,
Brooke