Carrots and Lentils in Olive Oil

1 cup brown, green or black lentils, rinsed
3 cups water
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup white cabbage, shredded
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced thin (about 4 cups sliced)
1 tablespoon tomato paste dissolved in 1 cup water
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt to taste
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint

1. Combine the lentils with 3 cups water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Set a strainer over a bowl, and drain.
2. Heat the oil over medium heat in a heavy casserole or skillet. Add the cabage and coriander seeds. Cook, stirring, about five minutes. Add the carrots and salt to taste. Cook, stirring, for two to three minutes until the carrots begin to soften. Stir in the dissolved tomato paste, sugar and lentils. Add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of the cooking water from the lentils (enough to cover the lentils), salt to taste and half the mint. Bring to a simmer, and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the lentils are tender and much of the liquid has evaporated. Taste and adjust salt. Remove from the heat, sprinkle on the remaining mint and serve, or allow to cool and serve at room temperature with cooked whole grains, like bulgur or quinoa.

Adapted from <http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/08/health/nutrition/08recipehealth.html?ref=nutrition>