Lentil Side Dish - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 c. onion, diced
1/3 c. fennel bulb, diced
1 1/2 c. dried lentils
2 cans chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp. Italian seasonings
1/2 tsp. oregano
1 clove minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste
1 bay leaf (remove before serving)
1 Tbsp. parsley flakes (optional)
1 c. couscous (optional)

Preparation

Saute onion and fennel in olive oil until soft. Add lentils and broth and bring to boil; lower heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Add the tomatoes, Italian seasonings, oregano, garlic, bay leaf and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in the parsley flakes and couscous (optional); cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir and serve.