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POPSMy Lentils Sprung a Leek Directions: Put lentils in saucepan, cover with veggie broth, bring to boil and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid has absorbed. Meanwhile boil potatoes in salted water until just beginning to soften, but still firm (about 15 minutes). Melt margarine in good sized pan, add onion and carrot, and sauté until onions are transparent, then add mushrooms, spices and salt. Sauté for another 5 minutes or so, then add leeks. Cover and simmer for about 7 minutes, until leeks are tender but still firm. Stir in cooked lentils. Slice partly-cooked potatoes fairly thinly and arrange half in the base of a large oven-proof dish. Spread lentil mixture over the top. Cover with sliced tomatoes, then the remaining sliced potatoes. Sprinkle with vegan cheese and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Serves: 6 or 8 Preparation time: 30 minutes.
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POPSLebanese lentil-and-rice pilaf with blackened onions Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and next 4 ingredients; sauté until onion softens, about 4 minutes. Add broth and lentils; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, 10 minutes. Stir in rice; return to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook until liquid is absorbed and rice and lentils are tender, about 15 minutes longer. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions; sauté until soft and beginning to blacken, about 20 minutes. Season pilaf to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to plates; top with blackened onions. Place tomatoes and cucumber alongside. Top pilaf with dollop of yogurt. Sprinkle with mint.