CZECH LENTILS (COCKA)

Czech Lentils (Cocka) image

Provided by Marian Burros

Time 55m

Yield 2 servings as a main dish

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 ribs celery, sliced thin
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup green lentils
3 cups water
5 ounces lean ham, cut into bite-size cubes
1 bay leaf
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons dried marjoram
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Steps:

Saute onion, garlic and celery in hot oil in a 4- to 6-quart pot until the onion begins to turn golden.
Add lentils and stir to coat well; saute another minute or two.
Add water, ham, bay leaf and pepper; rub marjoram between palms of hand and add; cover and simmer for 25 to 35 minutes, until lentils are firm but tender. (If water evaporates before lentils are cooked, add a little more.)
Drain any excess water; remove bay leaf. Stir in vinegar and salt.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 593, UnsaturatedFat 13 grams, Carbohydrate 74 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 14 grams, Protein 37 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 1142 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams