How to Cook Lentejas Guisadas (Stewed Lentils)

Ingredients

• 2 cups dry brown lentils ((or green lentils))
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 smoked pork chops (cubed (optional))
• 1 large red onion (cut into eighths)
• 2 potatoes (cut into cubes)
• 1/2 pound auyama (kabocha squash) ([0.48 kg], cut into cubes)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced )
• 1/2 teaspoon mashed garlic
• 1 teaspoon dry thyme (or 4 sprigs of fresh thyme)
• 1 pinch oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ((or more, to taste))
• 2 tablespoons minced cilantro ((or parsley))

Instructions

1. 1

   --- 1. Boiling the lentils ---

2. 2

   Boiling: Rinse the lentils. Soak the them in abundant water for 20 - 60 minutes in a dutch oven or pot. Boil the lentils for 15 minutes over medium heat. Sieve the lentils until all the water has been drained. Set aside water and lentils.

3. 3

   --- 2. Sauteing ---

4. 4

   Sauteing: Heat the oil in a pot over medium-high heat.⚠️ If you are adding pork chops, add them now and cook, stirring, until browned. Otherwise, continue with the following instructions.Add the onion to the pot. Cook and stir until the onion becomes translucent. Add the potatoes, squash, bell pepper, garlic, thyme, and oregano. Season with a teaspoon of salt. Cook and stir for 2 minutes.

5. 5

   --- 3. Adding the lentils ---

6. 6

   Adding lentils: Add the lentils (without the water) to the pot, and cook and stir for a minute. Add 4 cups of the water you had reserved, stir.

7. 7

   --- 4. Simmering ---

8. 8

   Simmering: Cover and simmer over low heat until all the ingredients are cooked through. Add more water as it becomes necessary (use clear water if you run out of the water from boiling the lentils)Remove the thyme sprigs, and stir in the cilantro. Season with salt to taste.

9. 9

   --- 5. Serving ---

10. 10

    Serving: Remove from the heat and serve per suggestions above the recipe.