Lentil & Bulgur Pilaf with Green & Yellow Squash

Based on a traditional Lebanese Lenten dish, this recipe makes a terrific vegetarian meal. Serve with warm whole-wheat flatbread or pita and a dollop of tangy plain yogurt.


Ingredients:

• 4 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 1/4 cups brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup coarse bulgur (see Ingredient note)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 1 small yellow squash, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or dill

Preparation:

• Combine broth, lentils, onion, bay leaf, salt, allspice and pepper in a 3-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Add bulgur and cook until the lentils and bulgur are tender and the liquid is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes more. Remove the pilaf from the heat, discard the bay leaf and stir in lemon juice.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini, squash, garlic and lemon zest; saute for 5 minutes. Stir in parsley and cilantro (or dill). Season with pepper. Stir into the pilaf.
  
• Serve hot.

Ingredient Note: Fiber-rich bulgur is made from whole-wheat kernels that are precooked, dried and cracked. You can find it in natural-foods stores and many supermarkets.