Lentil stew with smoked meat

Lentil stew with smoked meat – A comforting delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Servings: 4

If you are looking for a comfort recipe that combines smoky flavor with the richness of plant proteins, lentil stew with smoked meat is the perfect choice. This recipe is not only easy to make but also full of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Plus, it’s a great way to utilize leftover smoked meat, such as a ham hock or kaiser. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:
- 250 g smoked ham hock (cooked)
- 250 g kaiser
- 500 g green lentils
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsnip
- 1 piece of celery
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 can of peeled whole tomatoes (400 g)
- Dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika (optional)
- 1 glass of red wine
- Oil for sautéing
- Salt and pepper

Step 1: Prepare the lentils
Start by washing the lentils well. Then, let them soak in warm water for 4 hours. This step is essential as it helps reduce cooking time and improves the texture of the beans. Once the time is up, drain the lentils and boil them in a pot with fresh water. When the water starts to boil, remove the pot from the heat, drain the lentils, and add new water. For added flavor, you can use the liquid in which the ham hock was boiled.

Step 2: Cooking the vegetables and smoked meat
In a large pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic, allowing them to sauté until translucent. Then, incorporate the smoked meat cut into suitable pieces and the chopped bell pepper. Cook the mixture until the smoked meat turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add a teaspoon of paprika (if you have it) and deglaze with a glass of red wine. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to evaporate the alcohol.

Step 3: Adding tomatoes and spices
Once the alcohol has evaporated, add the canned tomatoes and mix well. Use a spoon to break up the tomatoes, then sprinkle thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors can combine.

Step 4: Finishing the dish
When the lentils are cooked, add them to the pan along with the finely chopped vegetables (carrot, parsnip, and celery). Let everything simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, adding a ladle or two of the liquid in which the lentils were boiled, if necessary, to achieve the desired consistency. Adjust with salt and pepper, then cover the pan and let the dish rest for a few minutes.

Serving:
Lentil stew with smoked meat is served warm, alongside fresh bread and pickles for a pleasant contrast of flavors. If you want a special touch, you can add some fresh parsley leaves on top before serving.

Variation suggestion:
For a spicy note, you can add a finely chopped chili pepper during cooking. Also, instead of ham hock, you can use a few slices of smoked sausage or even smoked tofu for a vegetarian option.

This lentil stew recipe with smoked meat is not only easy to prepare but also an excellent way to bring comfort and warmth to your plate. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 250g smoked ham hock (boiled) 250g kaiser 500g green lentils one carrot one parsnip a piece of celery one onion 2 cloves of garlic one bell pepper 2 bay leaves one can of peeled whole tomatoes (400g) thyme, dried parsley, paprika red wine, oil, salt, pepper

 Tags:  lentils smoked ham