Red lentil stew worth an inheritance
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2014 11:18 pmRed lentil stew worth an inheritance
Considering the bible story of Jacob persuading his brother Esau to sell him his firstborn’s inheritance rights for a lunch of lentil stew (“pottage”), you might be tempted to think that lentil stew wasn’t worth much. But I’m here to tell you that lentils can make a mighty comforting dinner.
Healthy and nutritious, packed with protein and bursting with meaty flavor, these tiny legumes can make a filling meal. They come in a pretty variety of colors, but I’m particularly fond of red lentils, which cook up fairly quickly into a comforting stew. Or pottage, if an inheritance is at stake.
Not long ago, I built a pilaf-style dish with a mix of red lentils, lima beans and basmati rice cooked with aromatic flavors. Tonight I tried this approach without the rice and was delighted with the result, a quick and simple stew, satisfying and loaded with flavor.
To make enough for two, I rinsed 1/2 cup of red lentils very well in several changes of water, then set them aside to drain in a strainer while I browned 1 cup of sliced onions with about 1/2 tablespoon each of minced garlic and fresh ginger. When the onions were brown and aromatic, I stirred in the drained lentils, 1 cup of thawed frozen lima beans, and 1 cup water. I brought it up to a simmer and added another cup of flavoring mix made with 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 tablespoon chili sauce, a dash of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of chopped green chiles and enough water to bring the total up to 1 cup.
Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are soft but retain their shapes and the liquid is absorbed. (Add a little water if needed.) Check seasonings and salt to taste only at the end of cooking.
Considering the bible story of Jacob persuading his brother Esau to sell him his firstborn’s inheritance rights for a lunch of lentil stew (“pottage”), you might be tempted to think that lentil stew wasn’t worth much. But I’m here to tell you that lentils can make a mighty comforting dinner. Healthy and nutritious, packed with protein and bursting with meaty flavor, these tiny legumes can make a filling meal. They come in a pretty variety of colors, but I’m particularly fond of red lentils, which cook up fairly quickly into a comforting stew. Or pottage, if an inheritance is at stake.
Not long ago, I built a pilaf-style dish with a mix of red lentils, lima beans and basmati rice cooked with aromatic flavors. Tonight I tried this approach without the rice and was delighted with the result, a quick and simple stew, satisfying and loaded with flavor.
To make enough for two, I rinsed 1/2 cup of red lentils very well in several changes of water, then set them aside to drain in a strainer while I browned 1 cup of sliced onions with about 1/2 tablespoon each of minced garlic and fresh ginger. When the onions were brown and aromatic, I stirred in the drained lentils, 1 cup of thawed frozen lima beans, and 1 cup water. I brought it up to a simmer and added another cup of flavoring mix made with 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 tablespoon chili sauce, a dash of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of chopped green chiles and enough water to bring the total up to 1 cup.
Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are soft but retain their shapes and the liquid is absorbed. (Add a little water if needed.) Check seasonings and salt to taste only at the end of cooking.