Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make recipe? Stewed lentils are an excellent choice for you. This typical Colombian dish is a blend of lentils, vegetables, and spices, slow-cooked to achieve a soft and flavorful stew.
Lentils are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients that will keep you full and satisfied throughout the day. Whether you're looking for a vegetarian option or just want to add more variety to your diet, stewed lentils are the perfect answer. Dare to prepare this easy and delicious recipe that will leave you wanting more!
How to prepare stewed lentils with meat?
Following the same instructions for the stewed lentils recipe, add the meat when you start cooking the lentils. This is so that the meat becomes tender. After draining the lentils, remove the meat, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and then add it with the other ingredients.
How to make stewed lentils with sausage?
In a little oil (3 tablespoons), fry the sausage over medium heat for 10 minutes, turning it constantly. Remove the sausage from the pan and cut it into small portions. After following the previous recipe instructions, add the chopped sausage with the other recipe ingredients. Remember to prick the sausage with a fork, as it might burst in the pan.
Lentils are an important source of iron, which is essential in the body to produce proteins like hemoglobin found in red blood cells and myoglobin found in muscles; both transport oxygen. So, if you have issues with these proteins, you'll likely be advised to eat lots of lentils and other grains throughout the week.
Can I add other ingredients to the lentils?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the stewed lentils as per your preference, such as beef, pork, chicken, bacon, sausage, ham, etc. You can also add vegetables like celery, carrot, garlic, among others.
Can I use canned lentils for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned lentils for this recipe. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture might differ compared to fresh lentils. If you use canned lentils, make sure to drain and rinse them before use and adjust the amount of water and cooking time as needed.
Tips and recommendations
- To enhance the lentils' flavor, you can fry onion, tomato, and bell pepper in oil before adding them to the pot.
- If you prefer a spicier taste, you can add chili or spicy pepper to the stew.
- For a healthier version, you can skip the bouillon cube (ricostilla or maggie) and use herbs and spices like oregano, cumin, and bay leaves for flavor.
- To make the lentils softer and creamier, you can add a bit of baking soda to the soaking water and slow cook them for an extended period.
- If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months.
Common mistakes
- Not soaking the lentils: It's crucial to soak the lentils for at least 4 hours before cooking to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Cooking lentils on high heat: Ensure you cook lentils on medium or low heat to prevent them from burning or sticking to the pot's bottom.
- Not adding enough water: Make sure to add sufficient water during cooking so the lentils are soft and fully cooked.
- Over-seasoning with salt or bouillon cubes (ricostilla or maggie): Over-seasoning can result in a dish that's too salty and less healthy.
I hope these tips and recommendations help you prepare delicious stewed lentils!
We recommend you try: Vegetable soup with chicken or pumpkin cream.
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ pound of lentils
- 1 stalk of green onion (finely chopped)
- 1 medium tomato (finely chopped)
- 3 medium potatoes (diced)
- ½ small bell pepper (finely chopped)
- ½ bouillon cube (ricostilla or maggie)
- Color and salt to taste.
Notas
- The first time you prepare this recipe, monitor it closely to prevent burning due to a lack of water. If necessary, add as much water as desired.
Instructions
- Place the lentils in enough water in a pressure cooker and cook for 20 minutes over medium heat.
- Drain the cooking water, leaving a little behind (the lentils should remain a bit watery) to prevent burning when adding other ingredients.
- Add salt and color to taste.
- Incorporate the remaining ingredients: potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, and the ½ bouillon cube (ricostilla or maggie). Keep the pot semi-covered or continue cooking in a slow cooker.
- Cook over medium heat for another 20 minutes or until everything is tender.
- Stir occasionally to ensure no ingredients stick to the pot's bottom.
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