Portuguese-inspired Lentil Stew

Ingredients

In this Portuguese-inspired Lentil Stew, we have incorporated elements from Portuguese cuisine to give it a unique twist. The addition of Portuguese sausage adds a smoky and savory flavor that is not typically found in the original Greek dish. We have also adjusted the spice blend to include Portuguese spices such as paprika and cumin, which infuse the stew with a distinct Portuguese taste. The use of specific Portuguese vegetables and herbs further enhances the flavor profile, making this stew a delightful fusion of Greek and Portuguese cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Fakes, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) lentils 2 cups (400g) lentils
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 Portuguese sausage, sliced 1 Portuguese sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 6g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 15g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the Portuguese sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Add the lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaves, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
5. 5.
   Add the diced tomatoes and cooked Portuguese sausage back into the pot. Stir to incorporate.
6. 6.
   Continue to simmer the stew for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Portuguese-inspired Lentil Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Portuguese sausage — If Portuguese sausage is not available, you can substitute it with chorizo or any other smoky sausage to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the stew.
• Serve the stew with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and variety.
• Make a larger batch of the stew and freeze the leftovers for a quick and convenient meal option.
• Experiment with different Portuguese spices and herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Portuguese-inspired Lentil Stew in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top of the stew just before serving. This adds a glossy sheen and a touch of richness to the dish.