With three kids, life in general is stressful. While I try to be a pretty laid-back person and parent, ever since Evie’s arrival nearly four years ago I’ve noticed the constant yet quiet hum of stress in the back of my mind. I can never fully relax: the “to-do” list is never-ending, small worries about the kids never cease and the dangling “what-ifs” haunt from a distance.
Perhaps the only place I ever let my guard down (a little) is at my parents’ house. My mom is a professional mother in so many ways. She raised five kids to be kind and responsible adults, and she so lovingly and selflessly cares for her six (almost seven!) grandchildren. Whenever the kids and I head to my childhood home in the country, I feel like I can truly relax and just enjoy being their mother…probably because my own mother is there to help take care of them – and me!
The three kids and I spent the night at my parents’ house the other night, and my mom made a truly delicious dinner of roasted chicken, dilled carrots, asparagus soup, salad and a dish of lentils with spinach and goat cheese. It was a comforting and healthy meal just right for an exhausted nursing mama like me. I went to bed that night feeling peaceful and refreshed. Just what I needed!
My Mom’s Lentils with Spinach and Goat Cheese
This is a simple vegetarian dish that can easily work as a weeknight dinner when time is of the essence. It is filling and satisfying and hearty. I also love it because all the ingredients can be purchased at Trader Joe’s, where I do most of our grocery shopping.
Olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
4 generous handfuls of fresh baby spinach
2 1/2 cups prepared lentils, drained
3-4 oz herbed goat cheese
Heat a good swirl of olive oil in a large skillet. Add garlic and stir until fragrant. Drop spinach in pan and toss until wilted. Remove from pan and set aside.
Add a bit more olive oil to the pan. Pour in lentils and stir until warmed through. Add spinach and stir. Turn off heat. Drop chunks of goat cheese and gently stir. Serve.
Homemade Mothering is a movement that aims to simplify life and foster self-reliance while being kinder to our families and the planet. Its about encouraging people to get back to the basics when it comes to mothering and homekeeping. 
© Copyright 2024 Homemade Mothering | A Back to Basics Approach to Mothering and Homekeeping
How do you prepare the lentils? Boiling? For how long?
I just prepare them according to the directions on the bag. Usually boiling for 15 minutes or so. Trader Joe’s sells prepared lentils in the produce section. They are a great time saver!
This looks delish and I immediately thought of TJ’s ready-made lentils. Picked up a package and will be making this tonight. Thanks for the inspiration.