Mini Chicken Roll-Ups with Lentils

Another find in the Spanish cooking magazine, "Cocina Facil." This dish is flavorful and hearty, rich in proteins and fiber, but at the same time low in fat.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb lentils (pre-soaked)
• 1 1⁄2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1⁄4 lb bacon, slices cut into thirds
• 1  carrot, chopped
• 1  stalk celery, chopped
• 1  onion, chopped
• 2  cloves garlic, minced
• 2  bay leaves
• 1⁄2 cup dry white wine
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fennel seed
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
•  salt and pepper

Directions

1. Drain lentils and place in a soup pot with carrot, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves and olive oil.
2. Add enough water to-just- cover lentils and veggies, cover and cook 40 minutes (or until tender) over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Add salt towards the end of cooking (adding salt at the beginning lengthens cooking time).
4. While the lentils are cooking, dice chicken into 2" pieces and wrap with bacon pieces.
5. Secure with a toothpick.
6. Melt butter in a large frying pan, add wrapped chicken and salt and pepper to taste.
7. Sprinkle with fennel seeds and brown chicken.
8. Add wine, lower heat and simmer for about 10 more minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
9. Add lentils to the pan with the chicken, season with salt and pepper, mix well and allow flavors to meld for about 10 minutes.
10. Serve hot.