Spain's rich culinary landscape has been attracting food enthusiasts from around the globe for generations. Among the variety of traditional dishes that grace the Spanish table, Lentejas con Chorizo, a delightful combination of lentils and chorizo sausage, reigns supreme. It is undoubtedly one of the easiest 'platos de cuchara' you can make.
This dish, with its humble origins and bold flavour, is a testament to the Spanish approach to cooking: simple quality ingredients, resulting in dishes that are greater than the sum of their parts. If you’ve never cooked Spanish food before, Lentejas con Chorizo is a great place to start. All ingredients are readily available in most supermarkets in the UK and of course, in Spain, there are no issues. If you can't find the brown Pardina Spanish lentils, you can also use small green lentils.
The Origins of Lentajas Con Chorizo
The hearty meal of Lentajas con Chorizo finds its core origins in Spanish rural cuisine. As with many traditional dishes worldwide, it began as a way for peasants to prepare something nutritious and tasty with the few ingredients they had at their disposal.
Lentils were an integral part of the Spanish diet due to their high nutritional value and long shelf life. Similarly, chorizo, a Spanish sausage known for its rich, smoky flavour and striking red colour from the local smoked paprika or 'pimentón', was a staple food item in many Spanish households. Over generations, these simple, accessible ingredients were married together to create the hearty, flavourful dish that we enjoy today.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you get started, it's essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here is what you'll need:
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2 cups of lentils (soaked overnight)
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1 large brown onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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200g chorizo, sliced into 1/4 inch pieces
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100g pancetta diced
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1 bell pepper, diced
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2 carrots, diced
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1 large tomato, diced
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2 potatoes, diced
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4 cups chicken stock
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2 bay leaves
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1 tsp smoked Spanish paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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EV Olive oil for sautéing
Add a glass of red Spanish wine and crusty bread on the side for serving, and you have a veritable feast awaiting you.
Cooking Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Make sure all your vegetables are diced, the garlic minced, and the chorizo sliced. Easy access to pre-prepped ingredients makes the cooking process smoother.
Step 2: Begin Sautéing
In a large pot, heat up some olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Stir often until they become fragrant and the onion turns translucent.
Step 3: Add the Chorizo and the pancetta
Add the pancetta first and fry for a minute or so until cooked. Next, it's time for the highlight of the dish - the chorizo. Add your sliced sausages to the pot, cooking them briefly until they start releasing their flavorful oils.
Step 4: The Vegetable Medley
Then, introduce the bell pepper, carrots, tomatoes, and potatoes to your sauté. Continue to cook these for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Lentils and Spices
Now, add the star of the show - the lentils. Also, add the bay leaves, paprika, and chicken stock or water. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Step 6: Let It Simmer
Lower the heat, cover your pot, and let it simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are cooked to your preferred tenderness. Remember to stir occasionally, and add more stock or water if needed.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Finally, season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves, ladle your Lentajas con Chorizo into bowls, and serve hot with your Spanish wine and crusty bread.
With these step-by-step instructions, you can bring the taste and tradition of Spain into your kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned cook looking to expand your repertoire or a beginner eager to delve into Spanish cuisine, Lentajas con Chorizo is a simple fool-proof dish for anyone to master.
Enjoy!