(Lens culinaris)
One of the world’s earliest cultivated beans, lentils were a commonplace food crop of biblical times. Originating in the Middle East, they are one of the main components of the ancient lentil and rice dish called Mujaddara. When roasted and ground, the seeds are used in the famous Ethiopian spice mixture Miti’n Shiro. Having recently crossed the ocean to North America, they have adapted themselves well to soups, stews, and fresh pod eating.