Organic chicken breast cooked in green lentils and cauliflower

I just love eating lentils in the winter! There are so many great lentils recipes out there, this is what I came up with today.

Lentils, according to Chinese medical view, are known to be neutral in temperature, slightly diuretic and extremely beneficial when we wish to support and strengthen our kidneys' and heart's functions, thus influencing the vitality and blood circulation, strengthening our bones and supporting the brain.

From a Western medical point of view, lentils are rich in vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 (folate), C, high in protein, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc, thus supporting a healthy heart. They lower cholesterol and blood sugar, and benefit our digestive system, also they are abundant with fiber which makes them even better for those who are experiencing constipation.

Lentils are great for pregnant women as 1 cup of cooked lentils meets 1/2 of their daily folate (vitamin B9, also known as folic acid) requirement.

They are very easy to find and cook faster than most other legumes.

Cauliflower, according to Chinese medical view, strengthens the digestive system and kidneys, and supports their functions.

In this view, a strong digestive system allows proper nourishment to all of the cells throughout our body, better blood production, a stronger immune system, and better metabolism, causing us to feel vital & energetic.

When the kidneys are strong, our water metabolism is good, the bladder functions better, we feel energized throughout the day, motivated with a sense of purpose, children's mental and physical development is good, our brain functions better and even our hair grows thicker and stronger.

From a Western medical point of view, cauliflower is rich with vitamins B, C, K, folate, pantothenic acid, fibers, omega 3, and minerals such as magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.

Cauliflower is from the Cruciferous family, and is a great vegetable to eat when we have a case of inflammation in our body and we want to detox and balance our weight. It promotes the heart's health as an anti-inflammatory vegetable for the cardiovascular system, it fights cancer and is beneficial to brain function, memory, learning, and sleep.

Chicken, according to a Chinese medical point of view, is warm in nature, and is sweet in flavor. It helps strengthen our energy when we are feeling weak because it supports our digestive system. From a Chinese medical prospective, when the digestive system is weak, we may experience diarrhea, weakness, lack of energy, lethargy, depression, anemia, anorexia or over-weight, feeling bloated and gassy.

** People who have "excess" conditions such as excess heat, should avoid

consuming chicken.

From a Western medical point of view, chicken is high in protein content, which helps the building of our muscles and cells, is rich with minerals such as selenium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, and zinc, which assist our internal organs in their proper functions.

Chicken is rich with vitamins A, D and B, which help with skin and hair conditions (dryness, hair loss, and premature greying), build a strong immune and digestive system, elimination tiredness, and supports heart functions.

** I make sure to buy organically grown, free-range chicken in order to avoid the

added hormones, antibiotics, and other chemicals.

Ingredients:

1-2 organic chicken breast cut into cubes

1 cup cauliflower

1-2 cups green lentils (washed & soaked in warm water for 30 minutes).

5 porcini mushrooms (soaked in warm water for 5-10 minutes).

1/2 chopped onion

2-4 chopped garlic cloves

1 16oz box of low sodium organic vegetable broth (I prefer Imagine company).

1 tbsp organic tomato paste

1 tbsp tamari soy sauce (gluten free).

Salt - according to your personal taste

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp sweet paprika

1 tbsp garam masala (typically contains: cardamon, cinnamon, cloves, cumin,

black pepper, coriander).

1 tsp turmeric

1 tbsp dried parsley

1 bay leaf

Preparation:

1. Start by frying the onions followed by the garlic until they become golden, I

like to use 1 tbsp of canola oil.

2. Add the chicken and give it a stir every few moments until it gets brown on

both sides, during this time, add in the rest on the spices mentioned above.

3. Once the chicken is cooked, add the cauliflower, lentils, and tomato

paste while stirring everything together, coating them with the spices.

4. Next, add the low sodium vegetable broth, covering the chicken with about

2-3 inches, and bring to a boil.

5. Lower the fire to medium-low and cook for about 30 to 40 minutes.

6. Check the liquid every 15 minutes, and add more if necessary.

Enjoy!