Frugal Gourmet's Chicken and Lentils Middle Eastern Style

Queen Dana's Note:

From Jeff Smith's cookbook "The Frugal Gourmet".

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 0 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 cups lentils
• salt
• 2 garlic cloves , crushed
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 teaspoon dill weed , dried
• 3 lbs frying chicken , cut up and pan browned
• ½ cup fresh-grated parmesan cheese or ½ cup romano cheese
• 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups plain yogurt

Directions:

1. Soak lentils in 8 cups water in bowl for 5-6 hours. Place lentils w/ the water in a pot w/ the salt, garlic, bay leaf, oregano, and dill weed. Simmer for about 1 hour, covered, until tender but not mushy.
2. Add the lemon juice to the lentil mixture. Place the chicken pieces in a casserole and pour the lentil mixture over them, and Top with the cheese, and Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for about 1 hr 15 minute (Might need to add extra water during baking.) Top w/yogurt before serving.
3. Smith suggests serving w/a crunchy bread, Spinach Salad, and a heavy red wine.