Lentils figure prominently in the plant-rich Mediterranean diet. Indeed, lentil soup is one of the staples of almost every cuisine around the Mediterranean and for good reason. This humble pulse is a nutritional powerhouse. There are many varieties of lentils that are native or popular around the Mediterranean and many varieties, like these red lentils, more typical of Indian cuisine, that have come to be embraced and co-opted as a Mediterranean ingredient. I’ve come to love them since having easy access to them both in my New York neighborhood, Jackson Heights, which has a large Indian population, and central Athens, which also has a budding Indian and Asian community and a bunch of aromatic grocery stores to accommodate them. Anyway, all it takes is some great Greek extra virgin olive oil, olives, and herbs to transform almost anything into delicious, healthy Mediterranean diet recipe!