abuela's lentils
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.
prep time
cook time
method
Stove Top
yield
Ingredients
- 1 package kielbasa
- 16oz packages dried lentils
- 1 medium onion
- 4 small carrots
- 4 stalks celery
- 3 tablespoons cumin
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 cups unsalted chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 - packets sazon
- - salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 - bay leaf
How To Make abuela's lentils
-
Step 1Peel & chop the onion, peel & chop the carrots, clean and chop the celery stalks. Slice the kielbasa and then quarter all of the slices.
-
Step 2In 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.
-
Step 3As the vegetables are sauteing, lightly brown the kielbasa quarters in a skillet over medium heat. Remove from heat once browned.
-
Step 4Once the vegetables begin to soften, add the minced garlic to the Dutch oven, stirring around until the garlic becomes fragrant.
-
Step 5Add the unsalted chicken stock, browned kielbasa, cumin, garlic powder, sazon, bay leaf and salt & pepper to the vegetable mixture.
-
Step 6Clean 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.
-
Step 7Bring 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!
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
Discover More
Comment & Reviews
ADVERTISEMENT
Just A Pinch Sweepstakes