Lentil stew

Lentil stew is a healthy and delicious dish, perfect for cool days or for a quick and hearty meal. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow preparation method, this recipe will transform your lentils into a savory dish, ideal for the whole family.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 250 g lentils (preferably green or red lentils)
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of tomatoes (400 g) or 3 fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of cumin (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preparing the lentils: Start by washing the lentils thoroughly under cold running water. This step helps remove impurities and dust. Place the lentils in a large pot with cold water and bring to a boil. Let them boil for about 20 minutes, until they start to boil vigorously. Change the water and repeat this process twice. This technique helps reduce cooking time and improves the digestibility of the lentils.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large saucepan, add the olive oil and sauté the onions over medium heat until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots and bell pepper, continuing to sauté for another 5 minutes. These vegetables will add a layer of flavor to your dish.

3. Add the garlic and spices: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the minced garlic and cumin if you choose to use it. Sauté everything for one minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant.

4. Incorporate the lentils and tomatoes: Add the drained lentils and chopped tomatoes (or the canned tomatoes) to the saucepan. Mix well and add the tomato paste, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The lentils should be soft and the flavors should meld together.

5. Finishing and serving: Once the lentils are cooked, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the lentil stew warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Helpful tips:
- You can also add other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to vary the recipe.
- If you like a spicier flavor, add a bit of chili pepper or smoked paprika.
- Lentil stew pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or a summer salad.

This lentil stew is not only a quick dish but also a simple recipe that will bring you satisfaction both in taste and nutritional value. Enjoy every bite and savor the benefits of lentils, an excellent source of plant-based protein!

 Ingredients: 2 and a half cups of lentils, 1 carrot, 1 red bell pepper (you can also add a medium onion), 1 cup of tomato juice or 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano. 250g of pork.