Red Lentil & Sweet Potato Curry with Spinach
I have news! (No, I’m not knocked up. I was, again. But I’m not, again. It’s been a bit of a crazy spring.) Remember Sue? She and I are writing a book! A for-real, gonna-be-published-and-put-in-bookstores cookbook. When I went out to stay for the weekend during the olympics we came up with it, and pitched it, and the publisher jumped on it, and within a few weeks we had an actual contract and a deadline. !!!!
It’s occurring to me now that that was two months ago. HOW DID THAT HAPPEN? Does anyone else’s life feel like the Polar Express? With the stoned guy in the hoodie at the helm, asking if we want to go faster and ignoring our screams to PLEASE STOP. OR AT LEAST SLOW DOWN. Because I just might throw up. Which isn’t going to be pleasant for either of us.
So yeah, Sue and I are writing a cookbook together. Something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. (A project like this with her, that is.)
And it’s due in June. JUNE. That’s a good half a year from now, right? At least 6 months. No? Six weeks?? Perhaps if I enlist a hundred monkeys on a hundred typewriters, smoking a hundred cigarettes…
But for real – I cannot WAIT to share some of these recipes with you. We’ve been baking with beans – I made wonderful (if I do say so) yeasted cinnamon buns using pureed beans in the dough, making them higher in fiber than if they had been made with whole wheat flour, with the light, chewy texture of white dough. I’m not going to spill all the beans – ha – pun totally not intended – because that would leave nothing new for the book, which is scheduled to be released next spring. Spring 2011. Doesn’t that sound like the year you finally get your own jet pack?
But we do need a title. Beans and grains is just not sexy, no matter how you say it. The combo brings to mind gastrointestinal issues.
But they are so good for you. Their parts can stand on their own, but the sum is fantastic. The idea came about as we chatted about how I really want/need to eat more beans and grains, and want to seek out more meal options so that ideas come as readily and naturally as they would when faced with some chicken parts or a pork tenderloin. Or John Cusack.
Did I tell you I’m following him on Twitter? I’m pretty sure he’s not following me. Which is a shame. But Michael Ruhlman is! Ruhlman! Following me! The day I learned this I developed a severe case of Twitter performance anxiety.
So to digress, we need some title ideas for the book. Badly. I’ve never had such a total mind block – usually something comes to mind, and it’s a matter of weeding through the cheese and cliches and finding something that works. This time – nada. But you’re a smart and creative lot, so I thought I’d toss it out there for you to chew on.
Also – chew on this. I made this lentil and sweet potato curry on our last night in Tofino and actually toted it all the way back to Calgary in my cooler bag and reheated it today. It’s easy. It’s good for you. Lentils, sweet potatoes and spinach, all in one bowl?
Red Lentil & Sweet Potato Curry with Spinach
AuthorJulie
In a large, heavy skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Saute the onion for about 5 minutes, then add the jalapeño, ginger, garlic, curry paste, cumin, turmeric and salt. Cook for a few more minutes.
Stir in the sweet potato, lentils, coconut milk and water; bring to a simmer, then cover, turn the heat down to medium-low and cook for about 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
Uncover and tear in the spinach; stir, return the lid and cook for another minute or two, just until the spinach wilts. Serve immediately, over rice.
Ingredients
Directions
In a large, heavy skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Saute the onion for about 5 minutes, then add the jalapeño, ginger, garlic, curry paste, cumin, turmeric and salt. Cook for a few more minutes.
Stir in the sweet potato, lentils, coconut milk and water; bring to a simmer, then cover, turn the heat down to medium-low and cook for about 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
Uncover and tear in the spinach; stir, return the lid and cook for another minute or two, just until the spinach wilts. Serve immediately, over rice.
this recipe looks super yummy for my vegetarain self. can’t wait to make it tomorrow after a grocery shopping trip. good luck with the book deadline, can’t wait to buy it.
You could call your cookbook “Bean Girls” (which is much nicer, by the way, than that movie “Mean Girls.”
Good Cookery – A Modern Day Compendium of Good Grub
I know there are two ‘good’s but even the thesaurus couldn’t spit out a ‘good’ enough word to fit better.
So excited for you on your next adventure!!! Enjoy the journey!
Heaven On Your Plate or
Healthy Appetites. or
Fiber Fun Cookbook!
Lots of fiber in the cookbook, especially with all those beans and grains! 😉
thanks for the great giveaway!
I think it’s a great idea for a cookbook and perfect for “Meatless Mondays” and such.
I’m really bad with titles and can only come up with boring stuff like, “Healthy Whole Grains and Beans.”
Snooze.
But thanks for the chance to win the crock pot. I have an old school one from the 80’s, the kind where the crock doesn’t come out and I’m ready to move into the 21st century!
‘Oats Peas Beans and Barley Grow
Oats Peas Beans and Barley Grow
How can you or I or anyone know
How oats peas beans and barley grow.
Sorry – that old folk song began running through my head….
A very timely themed cookbook. A good title needs the words beans or high fiber or healthy G/I
One of the best titles has already been taken by one of my favorite cookbooks “Full of Beans”- its been out a while
I have a crockpot – but be advised that if that little “D” shaped handle breaks you need to order the whole lid.
Grain and the Beanstalk…..?
This was a hard assignment!
Thanks for all your great tips, pics and inspiration!
“Food For Fiber”
“Fabulously Healthy”
………………………………………………
This looks so good!
I don’t have a crock, what a great giveaway!
“Beans & Grains Everything” just like “Chocolate Everything” by Company’s Coming which i can’t find a copy NOT even the Library has one. 🙁 they have chocolate with beef, with pork, with chicken & you have beans with dessert items. 🙂 you are a genius!!
No way! Well, congrats again. {and sorry about the bumpy start to your spring 🙁 }
I will eat this cookbook up. We love our beans, but waaay to often I find myself dousing them in apple cider again, adding molasses & pork belly, again, and making something along the lines of baked beans.
I’ll think about a title. My brain is fried right now.
Fiber-licious?
This is Not Just Another Cookbook…
I need a crockpot so badly! I don’t have one and I have a chuck roast defrosting in the fridge. Do you think you could get here on time?
You didn’t say we couldn’t enter twice! I need that crockpot!
“It is Only Cooking – You Can Do It”
Sorry, I just re-read and saw the beans thing. How about “Cooking with Beans and Grains on this Planet”. I’m sure you will have a lot of ethnic recipes. It kinda leaves it wide open.
I need a new crockpot! And I need great recipes to incorporate more beans into my diet. Here are my suggestions:
Bean there, grain that
The bean apotheosis
The bean and grain compendium
Grains and beans and things
The bean pot
Good luck with the cookbook and have fun!
how exciting!!! i can FEEL your excitement in this post and i’m excited for you! i’m so sorry i am horrible with naming things, so i have no suggestions. but i do badly need a crockpot and saturday is my birthday… so i still hope to win! haha congrats again!
robin :o)
How about “Use your Bean”? Or “Bean there, Love that”?
How about something with the word “legumes” or “pulses”? I think they’re much nicer words than “beans”… Or something to do with the fact that beans and grains are pantry/dry storage foods (as opposed to fresh foods?)
My ideas:
Pulses in the Kitchen
The Pulse of the Kitchen
Make Room for Legumes
Cooking from the Pantry
The Pantry Cookbook
Ooh – the Pulse of the Kitchen is a smart one – unfortunately it seems people don’t recognize the word pulses. Even those who do know tend to have a pretty vague sense of the word. It’s too bad! people should know what pulses are! Again – such an odd word to work with.
Hi Julie
Gorgeous pictures of Tofino. You’ve sold me on it and I’ll head there for a visit this summer! My title for your book…..’Beanlieve it!’
Rose
Mareseatoats
and doeseatoats
and littlelambseativy,
a kid’lleativytoo
wouldn’t you?
LOL thought of that song after the post about “oats peas beans and barley”.
Hmm off the top of my head…
Grains and Legumes: Never Bean Better
Beautiful Buns with Beans!
Fibreriffic Baking
That’s all I’ve got…good luck finding a title! And please put my name in the draw.
That recipe looks completely delish! I must try it!
I’d love to have a crock pot with a lid instead of my poor 30 year old one with a plate instead of a lid.
Let’s see:
Bean Taking Your Pulse?
Pulsating Cooks (or Kitchen)
Legumery
Julie and Sue’s First Edition
Everything You Wanted to Know About Beans but Were Afraid to Ask
If You Don’t Know Beans About Legumes
Worth a Hill of Beans
Bean Cooking
In Grain Style
Never mind, the publisher will probably change it, anyway.
Laurie
1. I’m sorry about the miscarriage. (You do know how to drop the news in the most spectacular, non-newsy fashion EVER.)
2. Congratulations about the book. No title ideas here…yet.
3. I’m following you on twitter? Don’t I get an exclamation point for that?
5. I make that curry all the time. In fact, I just bought some coconut milk for it yesterday. My recipe comes from the Simply in Season Cookbook.
6. That’s one swanky-looking crock pot.
7. Happy Weekend!
Bean there, Cooked that.
I have a question about coconut milk. I always reduce the amount in recipes because it’s so fattening. How do you store the leftovers? Can you freeze coconut milk?
Can’t wait for the book and welcome home!
How about “I Know How it Seems, When it’s Got the Name Beans?” Kind of long but….or “Wanna Be Lean? Then Start Eating Beans!” or “Queen of Beans” or “Marvelous Mains? How About Grains?!” or I’m Not Vain, I Love Grains……& Beans” (Beans would be in small font like I was embarrassed 🙂
Yes, I’m all about the rhyming names!
Sorry to hear about the miscarriage 🙁 but oh Julie the cookbook is fabulous news–a cookbook from my favorite blogger! I can’t wait and I’m trying to work more beans and grains into my diet–so double yea! Looks like you’ve got lots of good suggestions for a title!
“Beans, the musical fruit cookbook”
Julie, I’m so sorry to hear about the miscarriage. Congrats on the new cookbook! I have cookbook-publishing-envy 🙂 Please don’t enter me for the crockpot give away — I already have two, plus a little dipper.
@ Lori – I freeze coconut milk all the time.
Title suggestions — I can’t think of anything right now, if something comes to mind later I’ll post it.
That is so awesome – good for you. I follow Karen Hurd a nutritionist. She has a wonderful explanation as to why it is important to eat 3 servings of beans a day. She has contributed to the healing of some very good friends of mine. (She also stresses no sugar, which is a little harder to swallow.) Anyway, I am so EXCITED for you book. BEANS RULE.
Not sure of a title, but I will keep thinking.
BTW, I am again so sorry for your losses. Very difficult to deal with.
oh – wanted to add that I have started milling my own flour so I am big into grains too. (also mill for bean flour – but have a hard time getting rid of the bean taste without using crazy amounts of sugar.
Sorry to hear about the miscarriage. Thanks for sharing the story – It helps others to know that they aren’t alone!
Ok…here are my thoughts….and I’ve not only given a title but also a whole book concept. Bonus points?
Suggestions: Spot the Bean OR Can’t spot the Bean
Rationale: My toddler doesn’t like meat. (No Meat has become a fav saying now). So I make your bean cookies to sneak in protein. I’m not suggesting something on the line of ‘deceptively delicious’ but you could talk about creative ways to add fiber and protien into the diets of fussy eaters and husbands who proudly exclaim “I’m a meat eater. No veggie stuff”.
You could also do a hidden bean in each picture (like Where’s Waldo).
Lori – yes, I meant to address the coconut milk issue! I usually just use the light stuff – or you could use evaporated milk plus a teaspoon of coconut extract. But there was only the real stuff out in Tofino and so use it I did. Yum.
feeling punk this morning.
“i want a bean sedated”
thanks to the ramones.
Awesome news! How about Fuel and Fiber.
Sorry about the crazy start to your spring, however we don’t know what curve balls life will through at us – it’s just how we hit back and move forward is the deciding factor! You have a positive attitude and that’s huge!
Congratulations on the cookbook – very awesome!!!
My title suggestion is “Pass the Beans”….and it’ still making me giggle….haaaa.
Julie, sorry to hear about your loss. Hopefully, the excitement of the book is keeping your spirits up – congratulations! I can’t wait to see the finished product. I’m terrible at names/titles but maybe something like:
Fibre Made Fabulous: Beans and Grains Revamped
Hows about “Bean There, Cooked That”
how about this for a title
superfabulousyummyideasforcookingwithbeans
you may have to put this one word into a spiral/circle to fit on the cover of your book!
how about: “The Bean Repeater (recipes you’ll use over and over!)” Backhanded smile.
In the Kitchen with Julie & Sue: a fresh approach to Beans & Grains
or
Beans & Grains: A fresh approach to pantry staples
The former playing on the fact that you know you two have more than one book in you… the later appealing to people’s frugality.
How To Eat Like a Berkinstock, But Still Be A Prada.
So sorry about your loss. That curry looks delicious. Curries are one of our favorites around here.
How about “The Worth of a Bean”. Not sure how to incorporate the grains.
Whatever the title, can’t wait to read it!
Julie – You’re a strong and amazing person! I so admire you.
Next year is a long time to wait for another fantastic book from you, but it will be worth it. Let us know when it’s available for pre-order.
How about a title like Two (Chick) Peas in a Pod to also refect your friendship with Sue.
I don’t need a slow cooker as I have three of varying sizes already and can’t find room for any of them but I have some title suggestions for your much- anticipated book:
The Bodacious Bean
Bean Bounty
The Mighty Bean
Beans for Brains
The Beastly Bean – NOT!
Bea Nice
Glad you are home safe and sound from your holiday.
I love Carolyn’s title.
I see a lot of good names so far. I feel a little foolish saying mine out loud now but here goes. From Pulses to Morsels with Taste.
Good luck with the book!
You already gave the title away:
“Spill the Beans”
or
“Cool Beans”
or
“Full of Beans” – That reminds me of you!
Great Grrrreans!
The New Greans Cookbook
Greanology:great grain and bean combos
Greantastic Tastes
Boggis, Bunce and Bean…. oh no wait, not that.
I like the Chick Peas title.
Looking forward to the new book!
Love your blog. For a new book title perhaps “Bean There And Love It. Recipes Galore!”
Julie, so sorry to hear of your loss.
I’m thrilled to hear about another cookbook. I loved reading about your friendship with Sue in this blog. What fun you two will have in the next year.
As for titles, I was going to say something like Bean There, Cooked That, which has pretty much been covered alread! Of all the suggestions so far I really like Carolyn’s “Two (Chick) Peas in a Pod”. Cute.
Could you use the beginning of that other song – Beans! Beans! The Magical Fruit!!!
I’m a new follower and SO excited that you follow John Cusack. Oh wait…this post was supposed to be about titles for your cookbook, not my fantasy man! 😉
My suggestion is “Chew On This; Fiber-Rich Foods to Enrich your Life”
Oh crockpot, my crockpot, wherefore art thou?
I love Carolyn’s suggestion to. If not that play around with the two chick idea. There are so many posts did anyone say bean delicious recipes good for you. I am not a creative person, so have a hard time if I came up with that on my own.My crock is old too. It has flowers on it now what des that tell you.. So happy a healthy cook book now can you please give the calorie content. I said Pleaseeeeee
So sorry about your latest loss. That is a tough pill to swallow.
Although I love them, probably most people don’t get too excited over grains and beans. So how about:
Surprisingly Sumptuous: Grains & Beans
Unexpectedly Delicious: Grains & Beans
Cheap & Cheerful: Grains & Beans
Grains & Beans: Nature’s Broom (ha ha)
I really like the Cool Beans suggestion.
I must confess, I was pretty tickled when I discovered that you were following me on Twitter, so I totally understand.
As far as titles go, the only thing that popped to mind is the name my sister invented for a dish she used to make. Called Bean-wa, Quinoa, Green-wa, it was garbanzos, quinoa and cooked greens combined with some Trader Joe’s masala simmer sauce. But that’s a little specific.
Sorry to hear about the miscarriage Julie, glad to hear you had another fabulous tofino trip. Ucuelet and Tofino are two of my favourite places to go, and even more glad to hear about another fabulous Julie and now Sue cookbook! Awesome!! Can’t wait to buy it, half of Courtenay BC will own it once I spread the word…Grazing alread graces the homes of most of the people I know.
Titles hmmm…. Hidden Gems or I heart healthy(fibre is good for the heart get it?) or Virtuous gourmet
Really liked “Two chick peas in a pod”…and Laurie from Burnaby was on a bit of a creative role too. nice work ladies!
Sorry to hear of your loss Julie.
Had one more idea:
Grains and the bean pot.
I played with Julie’s blog title,
carolyn’s great idea!,
and a completely unexpected connection to beans and grains.
Dinner with the Chick (peas).
Making beans and grains everyday sexy.
oh my goodness!!! congratulations!! (and condolences, eek, those losses, they smart something awful, even in parentheses.) no title ideas, only eager “i can’t wait to see it, sounds right up my alley, I’ll buy it, whatever the title.” oh, and i adore a curry very much like these, easy, scrumptious, sooo good.
I think you could address the gastrointestinal issues in a playful way. Given that there’s lots of medical evidence around the role of a high-fibre diet in preventing cardiovascular disease, as well as other health benefits, how about calling the book “Good for Your Heart: Cooking with Grains and Legumes.” I think an intro on the health benefits of these would be great (particularly legumes, which tend to get less press than whole grains), and there you could dispel some myths about the difficulty of cooking with these, as well as tackling the flatulence issue. I started trying to incorporate more legumes in my diet several years ago. I found that over time, your body adjusts to them and intestinal problems become less of an issue. Taking a gradual approach to increasing legume intake helps, and using Beano also helped a lot.
If you’re looking for a concise roundup of all the nutritional benefits of legumes and soybeans, you can find a really good article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition at and a more user-friendly summary at .
Good luck with the cookbook!
Hmm…my links didn’t appear in that last comment; I assume your comments feature is configured to delete links? Anyway, if you Google “Legumes and soybeans: overview of their nutritional profiles and health effects” you’ll find the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition article. If you search on About.com for “Legumes – Good Nutrition and Eating Healthy” you’ll find the second article.
Heather – hmm… it shouldn’t be configured to delete links? I’ve had people add links before… I’ll look into it. Thanks for the info!
I love your cookbook all ready! I love beans and unusual grains and am always looking for delicious new ways to cook them.
Title suggestions:
Simple ways to add beans and grains to your dinner table…
Beans and grains: healthy and delicious, antioxidants and nutrition!
absorbed with beans and grains?
Woo hoo!
I’ve got a block on wit tonight… but I’ll think about it. Even poll Morgan, he helps name my quilts.
I can’t wait for your book Julie!! You have some really great suggestions for a title. I think it will be hard to choose.
All the best
After reading all these I can’t come up with anything original! I like the two Chick Peas in a Pod one, and Cool Beans is one of my son’s favorite sayings! That would be fun. I’m really looking forward to the recipes inside though… And, looking for more ways to use a crock pot too!
Julie, I’m in Malaysia now, enjoying red bean paste–so good hidden inside little white buns–please include a recipe in your book (although I’m sure if I just mashed a can o’ kidney beans with some sugar I’d be there!) Anyway, for book titles, I’m “all dried up” but am “totally ingrained” with your cooking ideas. How about “Take Your Pulse!”
Julie–yours is a wonderful blog; I’ve learned a lot by lurking, and reading your recipes relieves my chronic depression so much. So: my suggestion for the title of your book is: ‘Beans Means Grains’ — or maybe ‘Beans Meenz Grains’ —(with apologies to Heinz, of course). Thank you so much for your vivacity and generosity, and good luck with the book
Hi Julie,
I’m sorry about the rough start to your spring.
There are lots of great suggestions, and I can’t think of anything cool, so I am hoping for a random draw!!
I definitely think you need a title that reflects the way you cook – ie, I think you make healthy cooking seem natural, not like a chore….you make me want to try these recipes because they are fun, and the healthy part is like a nice bonus.
“Something to chew on: Satisfying bean and grain recipes for the no fuss cook”
Thanks for the great blog!
Made the Red Lentil & Sweet Potato Curry with Spinach dish last night, so deelish. Although the kids were being extra picky after a long day out of doors and didn’t go for it…whatever, more for me! Fingers crossed for Chicken Thais – in the cooker for Manic Monday.
Way too many amazing names to add to – and don’t have a great one! Will look forward to the book though.
So sorry about your loss, been there, and it is awful.
What about “Chew on This”? You can subtitle it “grains and beans with toothsome appeal” or some such… but when I read Chew on this a the bottom of the post I thought – that’s the Julie I follow. Sweet with a bit of sass. Plus then you made up the title yourself 🙂
Also, the time flying by? Wait until W gets to kindergarten. My first is in kindergarten now and never has a year blown by so fast. I’m thinking of getting ready for Christmas, it’s close now 🙂
Can’t wait to buy a book!
I think “Spilling the beans” would be a great title
I think something similar was mentioned above
Beantastic!
Julie, Sorry to hear your news, hope all goes well. Looking forward to the new cook book. Have passed your blog to my daughter and we now talk about “Julie recipes”, even my husband gets on board and asks me to make certain recipes. No real title for your book as many of the girls have sent in some great ones. As to the crock pot, don’t have one. Never learned how to use it. My mom was a stay at home farm wife, so its all about the oven. My 2 girls use it all the time. Maybe someday I will learn.
Thanks for so many inspriational recipes. I need to incorporate more fibre into my diet so this should be what I am looking for.
Thanks !
Sign me up for that cookbook – it sounds yummy!
The only title I could come up with was “Bean There, Ate That.” 🙂
The cookbook sounds amazing!! Can’t wait for it. For a title how about…”The Magical Fruit Cookbook” HAHAHA!
The cookbook sounds amazing!! Can’t wait for it. For a title how about…”The Magical Fruit Cookbook” HAHAHA!
I know it’s after Tuesday, but here’s a title for you: “Better Together.” It’s about working with a friend, and beans & grains, and some many other things (tomatoes and basil…). Looking forward to trying the recipe, just as soon as my spinach grows a little more.
I love sweet potatoes and spinach. New to lentils. I can use a new crockpot.
I like two titles that have been mentioned:
“Spill the Beans” and “Pulse of the Kitchen” the latter using a word that not many would connect with beans and their possible resulting gaseous activities 🙂 and it also evokes the feeling of ‘full of heart’ – that you include in any of your writing!
Thanks for your great recipes, stories and way of being!
Beans from Scratch for Grown-ups and Little Sprouts.
I like beans and grains, so you could call it “(Wholesome or Healthy or Nourishing) Beans and Grains with Julie”
I made the curry tonight and it couldn’t have been simpler or more delicious. Thank you!
This looks delicious…except for the coconut milk. I’d love to start cooking with curry more but most recipes I find have coconut milk in them. What do you suggest I use as an alternative? Preferably healthy? Thanks!
But of course! Try evaporated milk – and add a teaspoon of coconut extract if you want that coconut flavour!
Ha. This is suspiciously similar to the recipe I made last night from your website…
https://www.dinnerwithjulie.com/2009/04/08/curried-lentils-with-sweet-potatoes-and-swiss-chard-and-roasted-cauliflower/
This was really good! I used whole wheat couscous instead of rice. Will definitely eat again!
I stumble upon your website today and am so excited to try a bunch of your recipes! I made this one tonight and it was DELISH!
Hello are using WordPress for your blog platform?
I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own.
Do you require any html coding expertise to make your own blog?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I would ike to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this blog.
I really hope to vie the sam high-grade blog posts by you later on as well.
In fact, your creatiuve wwriting abilities has encojraged me to get my own, personal blog now 😉
How many servings is this intended to make? There is a clicker thingy to change the number of servings (it defaults to 1) but it doesn’t change the recipe amounts. Thanks!