* This post is part of San Diego Hospice’s series of healthy recipes for patients. This series will be updated monthly. Feel free to let us know if there is a type of recipe you’d like to see more of.

When you’re coping with a serious illness, eating healthy is more important than ever. Many family caregivers are challenged with finding recipes that are full of essential nutrients and still appealing to their loved ones.

Below is a recipe from the Cancer’s Survivor Guide for Lentil Artichoke Stew. This Stew is chock full of veggies and lentils that aim to help reduce carcinogens and toxins that can contribute to cancer. Providing your loved one with meals full of vitamins, calcium, and other nutrients is just one way you can help them feel better, while giving their body the nourishment it needs.

Of course, we always recommend that you follow your healthcare providers dietary recommendations as well.

Lentil Artichoke Stew

This aromatic, fiber-packed, and tasty Middle Eastern dish is great served alone or over brown rice or pasta. Using fire-roasted tomatoes is not necessary, but gives the stew a delicious smoky flavor

Directions – *Makes 6 Servings

A healthy recipe for patients coping with a serious illness

1/4 cup vegetable broth
1 onion, chopped
2 large garlic cloves, pressed or minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 cup dry (uncooked) red lentils (3 cups cooked)
1 bay leaf
2 cups water
juice of 1 lemon
2 24-ounce cans chopped tomatoes (preferably fire roasted), undrained, or 6 cups freshly chopped tomatoes plus 1 cup tomato juice
1 1/2 cups quartered artichoke hearts (1 9-ounce frozen package or 1 15-ounce can)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Heat broth in a large saucepan. Add onion and sauté on medium heat for about 5 minutes, until golden. Add garlic, cumin, and coriander and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add dried lentils, bay leaf, and water to pan and bring to a boil. Lower heat and add lemon juice, tomatoes and their liquid, artichokes, and crushed red pepper (if using). Simmer for about 20 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Source: “The Cancer Survivor’s Guide: Foods That Help You Fight Back!” by Neal Barnard, M.D., and Jennifer Reilly, R.D.