Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound salt pork, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups dried lentils, rinsed and drained
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt, to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced salt pork over medium heat until crispy and browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the rinsed and drained lentils, chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and tomato paste to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
5. Stir in the cooked salt pork and red wine vinegar. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped scallions.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
- Simmer over low heat
Serving size:
- 6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 28g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Bacon or pancetta can be substituted for salt pork.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted for chicken broth.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted for dried thyme.
Variations:
- Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes to the stew for extra heartiness.
- Use green or brown lentils instead of red lentils for a different texture.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes for a more tomatoey flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to rinse and drain the lentils before adding them to the pot.
- If the stew is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to thin it out.
- This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated for an easy weeknight dinner.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in a pot on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in individual bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped scallions on top.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or chopped scallions
Pairings:
- Crusty bread or cornbread
Suggested side dishes:
- Green salad or roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lentils are still hard after simmering for 30 minutes, continue to cook until tender.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the salt pork thoroughly before adding it to the stew.
Food history:
- Lentil stew is a traditional dish in many cultures, including Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
- Salty, savory, and slightly spicy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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