On Day 9 of Soupy September, we’re treated to the heartening delight of Lentil & Chorizo stew. This hearty bowl marries the earthy warmth of chorizo with the verdant vibrancy of lentils, creating a symphony of flavours that’s as nutritious as it is comforting. It’s the kind of stew you would want after a long hard days work, served with a big bowl of tortilla chips for scooping.
A Nutritional Powerhouse: Lentils
Lentils, those tiny legumes packed with nutrients, take centre stage in this soup. Beyond their charming appearance, lentils offer a bounty of health benefits. Rich in protein, fibre, and essential minerals like iron and folate, lentils support everything from muscle growth to healthy blood circulation. Their high fibre content aids digestion and contributes to a sense of fullness, making them a satisfying choice for both body and palate.
Varieties of Lentils and Their Unique Qualities
Lentils come in various shades and sizes, each bringing its own character to the table. Brown and green lentils hold their shape well during cooking, making them perfect for stews like this one. Red lentils, on the other hand, tend to break down and create a creamy texture, ideal for lentil purees or dals. French green lentils, also known as Puy lentils, possess a slightly peppery flavour and maintain their firmness even after cooking, making them a favourite for salads.
In our stew, lentils form a harmonious partnership with spicy chorizo. The heat of chorizo contrasts beautifully with the earthiness of lentils, while also infusing the soup with an array of earthy spices. The medley of additional spices, like cumin and paprika, adds depth to the flavour profile, turning a simple soup into a journey for the taste buds.
Creating this soup is as much a culinary endeavour as it is an act of self-care. The process of simmering lentils until tender, then adding a generous handful of spinach, results in a soup that’s as visually appealing as it is nourishing. The flavours meld as they dance in the pot, creating a symphony of comfort that soothes both body and soul.
Lentil & Chorizo Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 chorizo sausages- chopped
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper- any colour- chopped fine
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tsp thyme
- 6 cups beef broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the sausage until browned. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and stir to coat them with the vegetable and spice mixture.
- Pour in the beef broth and the tomatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Stir in the lemon juice and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Ladle into individual bowls.
- Garnish each bowl with chopped fresh parsley and additional lemon wedges for a burst of colour and a touch of freshness if desired. But it’s fine on its own as well!
Tips:
- Feel free to adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more broth if desired.
- Experiment with different types of lentils for variations in texture and color. Red lentils will break down and create a creamier soup, while brown or green lentils hold their shape.
- Customize the seasonings to your preference by adding herbs like basil, oregano, or even a touch of red pepper flakes for heat.
