Perfect Spanish Lentil Stew (Lentejitas Perfectas)

1h 5m
Serves 10
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Directions

  1. 1Blanch the ham bone if using: place it in cold water, bring to a boil, discard the water, and repeat two or three times to remove excess salt and possible oxidation flavors.
  2. 2In a large pot, combine the lentils, all the vegetables (except the chorizo), bay leaves, paprika, gochujang, tomato paste, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3Add the blanched ham bone if using, cover with water, and simmer gently.
  4. 4Simmer for about 45 minutes.
  5. 5Meanwhile, cook the chorizo separately so it doesn’t overpower the stew.
  6. 6After 45 minutes, remove the vegetables from the pot.
  7. 7Blend the removed vegetables into a purée, keeping the carrots aside.
  8. 8Slice the reserved carrots.
  9. 9Strain the purée back into the pot through a fine sieve to remove any fibers.
  10. 10Return the sliced carrots and cooked chorizo to the pot.
  11. 11Let it all simmer together for another 20 minutes so the lentils are cooked and the flavors come together.
  12. 12Serve warm.

Ingredients

  • 700 g pardina lentils
  • 2 green peppers
  • 6 carrots
  • 1 onion
  • 2 leeks
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 garlic bulb
  • 1 ham bone
  • 3 chorizos
  • 2 tsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp gochujang
  • 1 tbsp spanish smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1.6 L Water
  • 1 part onion brunoisse
  • 1 part green pepper
  • 1 part red pepper
  • 2 parts extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 part white wine vinegar
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

large potfine sieve

Tips

  • To remove excess salt and possible oxidation flavors from the ham bone, blanch it by placing it in cold water, bringing to a boil, discarding the water, and repeating two or three times.
  • Cook chorizo separately to prevent it from overpowering the natural flavor of the lentils.
  • Serve warm with white rice or any other grain for a nutritious meal.
  • Garnish with something acid and fresh like pickled piparras or a pepper vinaigrette for an exceptionally good, albeit not traditional, variation.