Best Abuelas Lentils Recipes

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ABUELA'S LENTIL SOUP (LENTEJAS GUISADAS)



Abuela's Lentil Soup (Lentejas Guisadas) image

As told to me by my Spanish mother, with her optional changes. One includes eggs for extra protein, and one is a vegetarian version with potatoes and spinach added.

Provided by Raquel Grinnell

Categories     High Fiber

Time 1h45m

Yield 1 pot, 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb dried lentils
2 garlic cloves, peeled and halved
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 chorizo sausage, diced (must be Spanish, NOT mexican! Paprika, not cumin as the flavoring)
1 -2 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 -3 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (preferably Spanish)
1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Rinse lentils, discarding any broken or odd looking ones, as well as any loose skins that float to the top of the water. Place lentils in a large, heavy bottomed pot with the two halved garlic cloves, bay leaf and tablespoon of olive oil. Fill pot with water until it is about 1 and 1/2 inches over the lentils. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, then lower to a simmer for 40 minutes.
  • While the lentils are boiling, make the sofrito: saute the chorizo in one tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium high heat until it has rendered it's fat; about 2-3 minutes. Remove chorizo with a slotted spoon and set aside. If the chorizo was dry and didn't render much fat, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. In the same saucepan, saute the onion and sliced garlic until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Add paprika and saute for 30 seconds more, then use a ladle to transfer two or three ladles full of lentils to the saucepan. Swirl to get all the paprika and chorizo bits from the bottom of the pan, then add the contents of the pan to the larger pot of lentils.
  • Stir in salt. Bring lentils back to the boil, lower to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 to 30 minutes more, or until the lentils are tender and the broth has thickened. Taste for salt again and adjust as needed. Serve hot. For extra protein, Mom sometimes will crack one egg per person into the soup to poach for 3-4 minutes. Carefully scoop out lentils into bowls and top with the egg.
  • OPTIONAL VEGETARIAN VERSION: Bring lentils, all garlic, onion, bay leaf, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and paprika to a boil, cover and reduce to a simmer. After 40 minutes, peel one large or two small potatoes and slice thinly and add to pot with a 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring back to the boil, cover and simmer for another 15 minutes, then add 2-3 handfuls of baby spinach and cook for 10 more minutes. Taste for salt and adjust before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270.4, Fat 6.9, SaturatedFat 1.6, Cholesterol 6.6, Sodium 242.1, Carbohydrate 35.6, Fiber 17.5, Sugar 1.6, Protein 16.7

ABUELA'S LENTILS



Abuela's Lentils image

This lentil recipe is one of the many Cuban dishes that my Abuela made frequently as we were growing up. She always made it more into a puree that was always served over white rice. I have a few of my own alterations in this recipe (like leaving the lentils & all of the other ingredients un-pureed) but for the most part, it tastes just like hers. The house smells AMAZING as it's cooking and it brings back wonderful childhood memories! Mi Abuela is now 95 yrs old and hasn't cooked for many years, but I'm carrying on the Cuban flavors and traditions.

Provided by Kim Spurlin @KaSpur42

Categories     Other Soups

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 package(s) kielbasa
16oz package(s) dried lentils
1 medium onion
4 small carrots
4 stalk(s) celery
3 tablespoon(s) cumin
4 teaspoon(s) minced garlic
1 teaspoon(s) garlic powder
6 cup(s) unsalted chicken stock
1 tablespoon(s) butter
1/2 tablespoon(s) dried oregano
2 - packets sazon
- salt & pepper to taste
1 tablespoon(s) olive oil
1 - bay leaf

Steps:

  • Peel & chop the onion, peel & chop the carrots, clean and chop the celery stalks. Slice the kielbasa and then quarter all of the slices.
  • In a Dutch oven pot, melt the butter and add olive oil to butter and saute the chopped onion, carrot & celery along with the oregano over med-low heat.
  • As the vegetables are sauteing, lightly brown the kielbasa quarters in a skillet over medium heat. Remove from heat once browned.
  • Once the vegetables begin to soften, add the minced garlic to the Dutch oven, stirring around until the garlic becomes fragrant.
  • Add the unsalted chicken stock, browned kielbasa, cumin, garlic powder, sazon, bay leaf and salt & pepper to the vegetable mixture.
  • Clean and rinse the lentils per package directions and then add the lentils to everything else in the Dutch oven. If more liquid is needed, add 1 cup of hot water.
  • Bring pot to a boil and then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 mins. Remove bay leaf before serving. Serve over rice if desired (that's how we've always eaten them). Enjoy!

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Abuela's Lentil Recipes: An

Abuela's lentil recipes are a delicacy that have been passed down from generation to generation of Hispanic families. These recipes are cherished because they not only serve as a source of nutrition, but they also have cultural significance. Abuela's lentil recipes are made with love, and every ingredient and cooking method has been meticulously chosen to create the perfect taste.

Abuela's Secret Ingredients

One of the secrets to Abuela's lentil recipes is the use of traditional herbs and spices. Abuela knows that the combination of savory spices such as cumin, garlic, and paprika, along with herbs like bay leaves and thyme, elevate the flavor profiles of the lentils. These secret ingredients are what make Abuela's lentil recipes stand out from other lentil dishes.
Family Traditions and Memories
Family traditions are an important part of Hispanic culture, and Abuela's lentil recipes are a perfect example of this. Every family has their own twist on Abuela's traditional lentil recipe. Some families add chorizo, bacon or ham to give the lentils an extra flavor boost, while others add vegetables like carrots, celery, and peppers to add color and texture. Abuela's lentil recipe is more than just a dish; it's a symbol of family love, togetherness, and unity.
Healthy and Nutritious
Abuela's lentil recipes are not only delicious but also extremely nutritious. Lentils are a source of protein, fiber, and a range of vitamins and minerals. They are also low in calories and fat, making them an excellent choice for those who want to maintain a healthy diet. Lentils are also known to have heart-healthy benefits, and they are a perfect option for people who want to reduce their risk of heart disease.

Variety of Abuela's Lentil Recipes

There are a variety of Abuela's lentil recipes that you can choose from, depending on your taste preferences. Some of the most popular lentil recipes include:
Abuela's Lentil Soup
Abuela's lentil soup is a classic that is enjoyed by many. It's a hearty soup that is perfect for cold winter nights, and it's easy to make. The soup is made with lentils, vegetables, and traditional herbs and spices that give it a rich, savory flavor.
Abuela's Lentil Stew
Abuela's lentil stew is another lentil dish that is popular among Hispanic families. The stew is made with lentils, meat, and vegetables, and it's a complete meal in itself. The lentils and vegetables are simmered with the meat to create a hearty, filling dish that is perfect for a family meal.
Abuela's Lentil Salad
For those who want to try something different, Abuela's lentil salad is a must-try. The salad is made with lentils, vegetables, and a dressing that is made with olive oil and vinegar. The salad is light and refreshing, and it's a perfect side dish for a summer BBQ or picnic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Abuela's lentil recipes are more than just a dish; they are a symbol of family traditions, culture, and nourishment. These recipes are cherished by Hispanic families, and they have been passed down from generation to generation. Abuela's secret ingredients, such as traditional herbs and spices, give these lentil dishes their unique taste, and they are loved by all who have had the privilege of trying them. If you ever get the opportunity to try Abuela's lentil recipes, don't hesitate. You won't be disappointed.
Lentils - a modest and nutritious crop that has been cultivated since ancient times. A tasty and hearty dish cooked with lentils is especially widespread and beloved by Spanish-speaking people. Abuela's lentil recipes are passed down from generation to generation and are still cherished by many today. Here, we’ll give you valuable tips on how to make perfect abuela's lentils recipes.

1. Know Your Lentils

The first and the most vital step is to choose the right type of lentils. You should know which type of lentils to use for particular dishes. There are several types of lentils, but the most common are green, red, and brown. Green lentils are dense and keep their shape even when cooked, while red lentils are tender and cook quickly, often used for soups and stews. Brown lentils are somewhere between red and green and are one of the most versatile types of lentils. Make sure to read the label carefully before selecting the lentils to ensure you are purchasing the type of lentils your recipe calls for.

2. Soak Or Not To Soak

Soaking lentils for a few hours before cooking can reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest. However, this process is not necessary for all types of lentils. In some cases, soaking lentils can reduce their unique flavor and taste. For example, red lentils cook fast, so there is no need to soak them unless specified in the recipe.

3. Spices Are Key

Spices are a fundamental part of any abuela's lentil recipe. They add warmth, depth of flavor, and aromatics. Some spices that are commonly used in abuela's lentil recipes are cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. However, you can experiment with other spices to create unique flavors. Be sure to use fresh spices because they have more flavor and aroma than their stale counterparts.

4. The Holy Trinity: Onion, Garlic, And Celery

Onion, garlic, and celery are known in the culinary world as the "holy trinity" and are the basis of many recipes. These three ingredients are crucial for developing flavor when making abuela's lentil recipes. They provide a balanced and delicious taste to the dish. You can chop them finely or use a food processor, but make sure they sauté before adding them to your recipe.

5. Don't Overcook The Lentils

Overcooking lentils can turn them into mushy, unappetizing mess. You should always cook the lentils until they are tender but still holding their shape. This requires careful monitoring and tasting to ensure the lentils are soft enough to eat but still have texture.

6. Add Acid To Brighten The Flavors

Acid, like vinegar or lemon juice, can brighten up any dish, and abuela's lentil recipe is not an exception. Acid can cut through the heaviness of the lentils and add a new dimension to the dish. You can experiment with different types of acids like balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, or lime juice, but never add too much, or the dish will become too sour.

7. The Right Amount Of Salt

Salt is a fundamental component of a good abuela's lentil recipe. It brings out the flavors and makes them more pronounced. However, you should always remember to taste as you go and add salt gradually. Too little salt can make a dish taste bland, but too much can make it inedible.

8. Use Stock or Broth Instead of Water

Water is the most common liquid used for cooking lentils, but it lacks flavor. If you want your abuela's lentil recipe to have depth, use chicken or vegetable broth instead. Broth is salted, and the flavor enhances the overall taste of the dish.

9. Add Vegetables For Nutritional Benefits

Adding vegetables, like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach, to your abuela's lentil recipe can increase its nutritional value. Vegetables provide vitamins, fiber, and texture, and they complement the flavor of the lentils.

10. Let The Lentils Rest Before Serving

Letting the lentils rest for a few minutes before serving can make a significant difference. This allows the flavors to meld and the lentils to fully absorb the broth. A few minutes of rest can also help thicken the broth, giving the dish a rich and hearty texture.
Conclusion
Abuela's lentil recipes are comforting, healthy, and delicious. Using the right ingredients and cooking techniques can elevate this simple dish to a gourmet level. These valuable tips will help you make perfect abuela's lentil recipes that will impress you and your loved ones.

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