Ingredients

1 1/2 cups lentils
4 cups water
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon sage ( or 2 fresh sage leaves )
1 teaspoon oregano or 1 teaspoon marjoram
1 head garlic
24 ounces canned tomatoes with juice
1/2 cup water
1 red onion , diced
1 teaspoon cumin seed , toasted and ground
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano , toasted
1 small carrot , diced
1 small yellow bell pepper , diced
3 new potatoes , preferably roasted , cut into eighths
chili powder
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile , puree
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro ( optional )
Warm and spicy, this Mexican Lentil Stew is the perfect comfort food for a chilly day. The dish provides a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional lentil soup, with the addition of roasted garlic and chilies. This recipe is simple to make and can be customized to your liking with the addition of your favorite spices or toppings. Serve it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added zest.

Instructions

1.In a large stockpot, combine the lentils, water, bay leaf, sage, and oregano.
2.Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
3.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
4.Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil.
5.Roast the garlic for 45 minutes or until the cloves feel soft.
6.In a blender, puree the canned tomatoes and 1/2 cup water until smooth.
7.In a large skillet, sauté the red onion until translucent.
8.Stir in the ground cumin and toasted oregano, then add the diced carrot and yellow bell pepper.
9.Add chili powder according to your taste.
10.Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the skillet.
11.Cook the vegetables until they are tender and golden brown.
12.Add the skillet mixture to the lentil pot, together with the pureed tomato mix.
13.Add the chipotle puree.
14.Add the roasted potatoes.
15.Simmer for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
16.Season with salt and garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.

PROS

This Mexican Lentil Stew is a tasty and affordable meal that’s also vegan and gluten-free.
The dish is high in fiber and protein, making it a filling and healthy option.

CONS

The prep for this dish can be a bit time-consuming as the lentils need to be cooked, and the garlic and vegetables need to be roasted.
The chipotle puree makes the dish quite spicy, so it might not be suitable for those who can’t handle the heat.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This Mexican Lentil Stew is a healthy and nutritious meal that’s packed with dietary fiber, iron, and plant-based protein. Lentils are low in calories but high in nutrients, making them an excellent food for weight management.
Garlic is known for its many health benefits, including boosting immune function and reducing inflammation.
Chilies contain capsaicin, a compound that may stimulate metabolism and help with weight loss. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce the risk of heart disease.

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