Cajun Lentil Stew Recipes

CAJUN CHICKEN STEW

Steps:

• Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot (preferably cast-iron) over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Pat chicken dry and sprinkle with salt. Brown chicken in 4 batches, turning, about 5 minutes per batch, transferring as browned to a large bowl.
• Add enough of remaining oil to pot to total 1/4 cup fat, then stir in flour with a flat metal or wooden spatula and cook over moderately low heat, scraping back and forth constantly (not stirring), until roux is the color of milk chocolate, 10 to 20 minutes. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery and cook, scraping back and forth occasionally, until onion is softened, about 8 minutes.
• Add water to roux mixture and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until roux is incorporated. (Roux will appear curdled initially, but will come together as it reaches a boil.) Add chicken and any juices accumulated in bowl, then simmer, partially covered, until chicken is cooked through, 30 to 35 minutes. Stir in cayenne, scallion greens, and salt to taste and serve over rice.

CAJUN LENTIL STEW

Steps:

• In a 3-quart saucepan, saute the onion and garlic in oil until tender.
• Add water and bay leaf; bring to a boil.
• Stir in lentils and return to a boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Stir in tomatoes, breaking them up; add wine, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper.
• Bring stew to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes; add zucchini and simmer 15 minutes more.
• Discard bay leaf before serving.
• Serve over grilled slices of polenta or steamed brown rice, if desired.