Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Lentil Stew



So on facebook I said I would post the stew recipe, it was good and the neighbours really liked it. In fact one called this morning to say they had it for lunch in lettuce cups which sounds rather awesome and nourishing. So the flowers were from the garden, and it was raining (still!) the greens are the carrot tops that were left from the carrots I picked, waste not, want not. They look pretty I think.

Here goes:

1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 cups chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, chopped
6 stubby carrots, chopped
3 large turkey sausages, remove skin
1 package lentils (16 0z)
4 cups chicken broth, low salt etc.
3 stalks of Thyme
1 head of Sage
1/2 tsp of ground pepper
1 tbsp of sea salt
4 cups of shredded chard (or kale/spinach)
1/4 tsp of cumin

In large pot, heat oil , saute onions, garlic and carrots until slightly soft (10 minutes should do it). Add meat saute a little and then add, lentils, broth, sage thyme, pepper, salt. Bring to a full boil. Turn heat down and simmer, covered, until lentils are almost soft. (about 20 minutes). Stir in chard and add cumin, bring to a boil again and simmer for 20 minutes on low.

Serve over rice or pasta in a soup dish, and of course you could add either yoghurt or a little sour cream on top for a creamier taste. Bon Appetite!

Seconds tonight, manga

Thursday, April 7, 2011

A World in Confusion Cultivating Inner Clarity

If we can locate the stillness at the center of our hearts, we can find composure in almost any situation.

People who maintain their sense of calm when things around them are in a state of flux and confusion are always wonderful to be around. We feel calmer just being near them, as if they have activated our own sense of inner peace. From them we learn that we can be calm, even when everything around us is in turmoil, because we know that no matter what happens, this inner sense of calm will help us to function well. Often, times of confusion are the times that enable us to find that part of ourselves that knows how to cope, and how to be a light to others in the storm.

If we allow ourselves to be thrown off balance by every piece of disturbing news that comes our way, we may be relying too much on our emotions. On the other hand, our thoughts may also be unreliable at times like these, as they chatter on endlessly about what might happen next. If our feelings and thoughts activate one another in a hectic way, then we become caught up in the confusion that surrounds us. However, if we can locate the stillness at the center of our hearts, we can find composure in almost any situation. In addition, we provide a safe place for our friends and family, who are also prone to taking on the confusion of a world in flux.

It helps to remember that we don't need to completely understand what's happening right now, nor do we need to be able to predict the future. Most of us just want to find our way to being at peace with whatever happens, and we can find this peace inside. Cultivating our inner clarity with meditation, journaling, and reading words that inspire us, will lead us to that place inside us that's already there, just waiting.

The Daily OM Today's message, a wonderful free website that helps each day and I highly recommend.