Talk to me about Lentils....

I have some in the pantry as I have always wanted to try them - BUT - afraid to make them! 
I dont care for tomato based soups so what can I do with them? I heard you can make them like a meat substitute (hamburger - meat loaf). I was also curious about other based soups.

You can try this recipe.

2 cups of dried lentils
4 cups of veggie broth
1 onion, finely chopped

cook til lentils are soft.
Season to taste.

I'm cooking some right now! 

I took 1/4 c. lentils and poured 1 c. vegetable broth over them.  Now I'm just letting them boil for 25 minutes.  Super easy and delicious. 

Some other cool ways to make lentils include:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Alissas-Vegetarian-Lentil-Meatloaf/MoreRecipesLikeThis.aspx
(tons of ideas for meatloaf made using lentils)

and

http://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--975/all-about-lentils.asp

I would navigate on over to Vegetarian Times and do a recipe search on Lentils.  Alternatively, check out Indian recipes as the lentil (Dal) features heavily in the cuisine.

Lentils are 25% protein BUT being plant based are an incomplete protein.  You could make a decent meal by adding water chestnuts (or any othe nut) to cooked lentils.

FWIW I made this recipe last nite and it was great:  http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1860101