Lentil Side Dish
["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)"]
["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."]
["onion", "fennel bulb", "lentils", "chicken broth", "tomatoes", "Italian seasonings", "oregano", "garlic", "salt", "bay leaf", "parsley flakes", "couscous"]