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American Lentil Bowl 2

Serves 4 to 6 Entree vegetarian

American Lentil Bowl 2

American Lentil Bowl 2 is a comforting staple found on home tables across the United States, embodying the essence of casual, hearty cooking. This dish, crafted with the practicality of an American family cook, is ideal for a weeknight dinner when simplicity and satisfaction are key. With lentils as the foundation, this straightforward recipe emphasizes familiar, well-loved flavors without the fuss.

The result is a bowl of tender brown lentils, infused with the mild sweetness of onion and the bright acidity of tomatoes, all gently spiced with cumin. A generous hand with salt and black pepper elevates the earthiness of the lentils, while a good glug of oil ensures each bite is both rich and satisfying. It's a dish that feels like home, offering warmth and nourishment with every spoonful.

Ingredients

  • 300 gbrown lentils
  • 1onion
  • 2tomatoes
  • 2 tbspoil
  • 1 tspcumin
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Rinse 300 g of brown lentils under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to remove any debris. Set them aside to drain. Dice 1 onion finely and chop 2 tomatoes into small cubes. Season the tomatoes with a pinch of fine sea salt and black pepper to taste, mixing gently to combine.
  2. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. The onion should not brown; adjust the heat if necessary to maintain a gentle sizzle.
  3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of cumin with the onions, cooking for an additional minute until the cumin becomes fragrant. This step releases the spice's natural oils and enhances its flavor.
  4. Add the rinsed lentils to the pan, stirring well to coat them in the oil and spices. Pour in enough water to cover the lentils by about 1 inch. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer and cover the pan with a lid, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Cook the lentils until they are tender, stirring occasionally. The lentils are done when they are soft but still hold their shape, and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  6. Once the lentils are cooked, stir in the seasoned tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are warmed through and slightly softened, but still retain some of their fresh texture.
  7. Taste the lentil mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional fine sea salt and black pepper if needed. Serve the American Lentil Bowl 2 warm, inviting everyone to share from the same dish at the table.
Cover of Authentic American Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic American Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic American Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the American volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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