Mexican Lentil Stew Recipes

MEXICAN LENTIL STEW

Steps:

• In a medium pot, bring the 2 cups of lentils and 4 cups of water to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, turn off the heat and let sit with a lid on for about 20 minutes.
• While the lentils are cooking, begin the stew. Finely dice the onions and cook over medium heat in 2 Tbsp of olive oil. While the onions begin to cook, finely dice the garlic and add to the pot. While the onions and garlic cook, finely chop the celery and then add to the pot.
• Cook the onions, garlic and celery until they are soft but not brown. Add the cans of diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, turmeric, cumin, chili powder and the hot sauce. Continue to cook over medium heat until hot.
• At this point, the lentils should have absorbed the water and become soft. Add the lentils and any remaining water to the soup mixture. Stir well and slightly mash using the back of your spoon.
• Once the entire mixture is hot, add a handful of chopped cilantro and taste test to see if you want any more heat (hot sauce) or salt and pepper.
• You can either add the juice of lime to the pot or serve the bowls of stew with a wedge of lime. I like the wedge of lime because it makes for a pretty presentation and that way people can choose whether or not they want it.

CREAMY LENTIL STEW

Steps:

• Melt butter in a small pot or large saucepan over medium heat. When foam subsides, add onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are beginning to soften but not developing any color, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in garlic, ginger, thyme, spices, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add tomatoes, lentils, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until lentils are tender and creamy, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove and discard thyme. Transfer about one-third of soup to a blender; purée until smooth. (Be careful blending the hot liquid: Remove feed cap from blender lid and cover with a kitchen towel to let steam escape; or pulse several times with an immersion blender directly in pot to partially purée.) Stir purée back into pot, with coconut milk and lemon juice. Serve with any combination of serving suggestions.

JAMAICAN LENTIL STEW WITH COCONUT

Steps:

• Make a thick paste by mashing ginger and garlic together using a pestle and mortar or a small bowl and the heel of a wooden spoon.
• Heat vegetable oil over medium heat in a large saucepan, add the onion and saute until transparent.
• Add the garlic ginger paste and saute another 2 minutes until fragrant; lower heat and stir constantly to avoid burning the paste.
• Add the spices and saute for a minute more.
• Stir in the coconut milk, stock, lentils, sweet potato and pumpkin puree.
• Simmer over medium - low heat for 40 - 50 minutes or until sweet potato is soft and almost melting into the stew. Be sure to stir occasionaly.
• Before serving, stir in the red curry paste if you are using it or adjust seasoning with black pepper.
• NOTE: The stew has a creamy texture and is thick with lentils, sweet potato and pumpkin that melt into a delictable base. If you prefer a lighter soup then add more stock to thin the base, or try adding more cocount milk for a very savory and unique taste.

HEARTY VEGETARIAN LENTIL STEW

Steps:

• Bring water and lentils to a boil in a large saucepan. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Increase heat to high, add wine, and let it sizzle and bubble for 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 3 minutes.
• Stir in carrots, celery, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, cabbage, tomato paste, brown sugar, curry powder, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cumin. Cook, stirring frequently, until flavors are well blended and vegetables are tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

SLOW COOKER MEDITERRANEAN LENTIL STEW

Steps:

• Warm water and vegetable bouillon in a slow cooker on High until dissolved. Add lentils, carrots, and potatoes.
• Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add cumin and coriander and cook and stir until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Add oil, followed by onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and transfer to the slow cooker. Stir. Add tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Stir in spinach.
• Cook on High, stirring every 30 minutes, until lentils are tender and stew has thickened, 3 to 4 hours.