Latin American > Peru > Stew

Seco de Lentejas Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of dried lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of beer
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime, cut into wedges

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the lentils and soak them in water for at least 2 hours.
2. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the cumin, paprika, and oregano and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the lentils, water, beer, and tomato paste. Stir well.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot with lime wedges.


Time:
Preparation time: 2 hours (including soaking time)
Cooking time: 45 minutes
5. Temperature:
Medium heat for sautéing, low heat for simmering.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 300
Total fat: 7g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 400mg
Total carbohydrates: 44g
Dietary fiber: 18g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 17g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of lentils for this recipe.
- If you don't have beer, you can use vegetable broth instead.
- You can use any type of oil for sautéing.

Variations:
- You can add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- You can add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for a heartier dish.
- You can add diced ham or bacon for a meatier version.

Tips and tricks:
- Soaking the lentils beforehand will reduce the cooking time and make them easier to digest.
- Make sure to stir the lentils occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the lentils in a pot over medium heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the lentils in a bowl with a lime wedge on the side.

Garnishes:
- You can garnish the lentils with chopped cilantro or parsley.

Pairings:
- Serve the lentils with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- A side salad or steamed vegetables would complement the lentils nicely.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lentils are too dry, add more water or broth.
- If the lentils are too soupy, simmer them uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken the sauce.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the lentils thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Seco de Lentejas is a traditional Peruvian dish made with lentils, beer, and spices.

Flavor profiles:
- This dish is savory, slightly spicy, and has a hint of sweetness from the beer.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lentils with a side of rice and a salad for a complete meal.

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Region: Peruvian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Earthy