Lentils intimidate some of us.  (I thought I was supposed to rinse them multiple times, let them soak for days, serve them only in India, or keep them safely repressed in the food storage area of the basement.)

Nope.  Lentils, I have learned, should be raised from their unfortunate low spot on the totem pole of first-choice things we want to eat for lunch.

Why? Because lentils are fantastic.  They are mild and versatile, filling, easy to use, inexpensive, and healthy– they’re loaded with protein, iron, zinc, and biotin.

There are different types of legumes that go by the name of lentils: there are brown/Spanish lentils, petite golden lentils, French/green lentils, small, medium, and large green lentils,  black/Beluga lentils, yellow/tan lentils, red lentils, Macachiados (big Mexican yellow lentils) –and the list goes on.

The best news is that lentils are so easy to cook!  Unlike other legumes, there’s no soaking, no boiling, and no long prep times required.

Just simmer lentils for 15 minutes– that’s the whole uncomplicated recipe for basic lentils.  And you are done:  they’re ready to eat.

Lentils are legendary for versatility.  They can star in anyting from facial scrubs to meat-less meatloaf to coconut soup to lentil cookies.

These yummy little pleasers are one of the most healthy diet choices on planet earth.  They’re totally fat free, totally cholesterol-free, extremely high in fiber and high in protein.  (10 grams per 1/4 cup serving).  Amazing little pods!

So, here you go:  fifty ways to love your lentils

1.  Lentil Cookies  http://saffroncrush.com/lentil-cookies/
2. Lentil Burgers  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/lentil-burger
3. Lentil Soup http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Recipes/story?id=7039586
4. Lentil Loaf http://www.leftoverqueen.com/2010/02/08/recipe-wholesome-lentil-loaf
5. Lentil and Quinoa Soup: http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/vegetarian-recipes/crockpot-quinoa-red-lentil-stew.php
6. Pumpkin Lentil Muffins: http://www.pure2raw.com/2011/11/socca-pumpkin-lentil-muffins/
7. Lentil Feta Salad http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/lentil-salad-with-feta-cheese-10000000665493/
8. Lamb and Lentil Cobbler http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/lambandlentilcobbler_85791
9. Lentils and Fennel with Sausage: http://www.diningchicago.com/blog/2011/02/16/eat-this-lentils-a-prehistoric-foodstuff/
10. Lentil Curry http://allrecipes.com/recipe/red-lentil-curry/
11. Salmon with Lentils http://www.epicurious.com/tools/searchresults?search=lentils
12. Cod with Lentils http://www.epicurious.com/tools/searchresults?search=lentils
13. Green Lentil Rice http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Rice-with-Green-Lentils-Raisins-and-Dates-366172
14. Minty Orzo Lentils http://allrecipes.com/recipe/minty-orzo-lentil-and-feta-salad/
15. Lentil and Bacon soup: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2009/01/dinner-tonight-lentil-and-bacon-soup-recipe.html
16. Smoked Cheddar and Lentil Burgers http://www.health.com/health/recipe/0,,10000000457217,00.html
17. Walnut Lentil Patties http://allrecipes.com/recipe/lentil-cakes-patties/
18. Lentil Pudding http://www.spicytasty.com/indian-sweets/moong-dal-payasam-kheer-lentil-pudding/
19. Red Lentil Balls http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/redlentilballs_2403
20. Lentil Butter http://www.foodreference.com/html/adas-careh.html
21. Pakistani Curry http://allrecipes.com/recipe/pakistani-lentil-curry/
22. Cucumber Yogurt Curry http://indian.food.com/recipe/chicken-and-lentil-curry-with-cucumber-yogurt-290586
23. Lentil Spread http://www.thefastertimes.com/recipes/2010/11/18/recipe-stolen-lentil-spread-revenge-is-sweet/
24. Roasted Squash and Lentil Spread http://fatfreevegan.com/blog/2011/12/08/roasted-squash-red-lentil-spread/
25. Indian Crabcake on Lentil Dal http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/indiancrabcakeonlent_91052
26. Red Lentil Pate http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/red_lentil_pt_54625
27. Black Lentil Salad http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/01/lentil-recipes_n_1070678.html#s448503&title=Black_Lentil_And
28.  Lentil Shepherd’s Pie  http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/lentilshepherdspiewi_93532
29.  Tandoori Chicken With Lentil Salad  http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/tandoori_chicken_with_45215
30. Spinach and Lentil Broth http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/spinachandlentilbrot_83507
31. Lentil Chili Salad http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/01/lentil-recipes_n_1070678.html#s448511&title=Lentil_Cilantro_And
32. Lentil Coconut Soup http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/lentilcoconutandwilt_72715
33. Sweet Potato and Lentil Pizza http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sweet-potato-and-curried-red-lentil-pizza/
34. Red Lentil Bread http://www.breadexperience.com/321-red-lentil-bread.html
35. Lentil Asparagus Soup http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sweet-lentil-soup-with-asparagus-tips/
36. Lentil fry bread http://indianfood.about.com/od/breadrecipes/r/daalpoori.htm
37. Lentil Flatbread http://naturalnoshing.wordpress.com/2011/09/25/lentils-bread/
38. Meatless Lentil Meatloaf http://www.food.com/recipe/really-good-vegetarian-meatloaf-really-33921
39. Lentil Baby Cereal http://www.netplaces.com/cooking-for-baby-toddlers/1218-months/rice-lentil-cereal.htm
40. Acne Scar Removal Paste with Orange Lentils http://www.manjusbp.com/beauty-tip
41. Peppermint Lentil Cake http://bakingdevils.wordpress.com/2011/06/23/jennys-chocolate-peppermint-cake-with-a-lentil-difference-2/
42. Lentil Juggling Balls and Stress Balls http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/seedsbeansartscraftsideasprojectskids.html
43. Lentil Crafty Picture Frames http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-lentil-frames.html
44. Lentils as Preschool Toys http://blog.gummylump.com/2011/03/colored-lentils-kids-crafts-project-69.html
45. Gift Jar With Pretty Stacked Lentil Layers http://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/sealed-delivered-recipes-in-a-jar/index.html
46. Fresh Sprouted Lentils http://www.ehow.com/how_4430691_sprout-lentils.html
47. Moist Cocoa Lentil Cake http://positivelyprepared.blogspot.com/2009/06/moist-cocoa-lentil-cake.html
48. Southwest Lentil Cakes With Creamy Lime Dressing http://www.wearenotmartha.com/2010/08/southwest-lentil-cakes-with-creamy-lime-dressing/
49. Bengali Dhoka Lentil Cakes http://www.bongcookbook.com/2010/02/dhokar-dalna-lesson-in-lentil-cakes.html
50. Dairy Free Lentil Quiche http://bakingdevils.wordpress.com/2011/06/23/jennys-chocolate-peppermint-cake-with-a-lentil-difference-2/

Lentils are great, but they can’t get you good deals on health insurance. Use the form above to find and compare health insurance quotes.