Couscous Veggie Surprise

Directions

1. 1
   Combine lentils and water in a medium sized pot and bring to a boil over a high flame.
2. 2
   Reduce flame to low, cover, and simmer.
3. 3
   After 10 minutes, uncover, add 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste), and the shredded carrots and cabbage.
4. 4
   Replace cover, and simmer again.
5. 5
   After 5 more minutes, uncover again, add the frozen peas, cover, and simmer for a further 5 minutes.
6. 6
   Now remove from flame, drain, and reserve the lentil-veggie water.
7. 7
   If necessary, add some additional water to bring the reserved water to 3/8 cup quantity.
8. 8
   In a separate saucepan, bring this water to a boil, add the couscous, stir once, switch off burner, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
9. 9
   After 5 minutes, uncover, and fluff up the couscous with a fork.
10. 10
    Toss with 1/2 teaspoon butter, if desired.
11. 11
    Meanwhile, spray a non-stick saucepan with cooking spray and saute the onions in it over a medium flame until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
12. 12
    Now add the drained lentil-veggie mixture, soy sauce, cinnamon, pepper, paprika and saute on a low flame until the mixture is fairly dry.
13. 13
    Mix in with the cooked couscous, and eat immediately!