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American Lentil Pot 2

Serves 4 to 6 Soup vegetarian, Soups

American Lentil Pot 2

American Lentil Pot 2 is a comforting dish that embodies the essence of home cooking in America. It's prepared with red lentils, onion, garlic, and cumin, creating a hearty and flavorful pot that is seasoned by intuition rather than precision. The generous use of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon add richness and brightness, making it a staple at family tables.

This dish is enjoyed across the United States, where it's appreciated for its simplicity and adaptability. The flavors are warm and inviting, with the cumin providing a gentle earthiness, while the lemon adds a refreshing tang. It's a dish meant for sharing, bringing people together around the table with its wholesome and satisfying taste.

Ingredients

  • 300 gred lentils
  • 1onion — chopped
  • 2 clovesgarlic
  • 1 tspcumin
  • 1.5 Lwater
  • 1 tbspolive oil
  • 1lemon — juiced
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by finely chopping 1 onion and mincing 2 cloves of garlic. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot, stirring occasionally. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes, ensuring they do not brown.
  2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of cumin, allowing it to coat the onions and garlic. This will release the spice's aroma and deepen the flavor of your base. Cook for an additional minute, stirring continuously to prevent the spices from sticking to the pot.
  3. Rinse 300 grams of red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the lentils to the pot, stirring them into the aromatic base to coat them evenly with the oil and spices.
  4. Pour in 1.5 liters of water, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Increase the heat to high to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, allowing the lentils to simmer.
  5. Simmer the lentils for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The lentils should become tender and start to break down, creating a creamy texture. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little more water to achieve your desired consistency.
  6. Once the lentils are tender, taste the dish and season with fine sea salt and black pepper to your preference. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the pot.
  7. Finish the dish by cutting a lemon in half and squeezing the juice into the pot, stirring to incorporate the citrus flavor. This will brighten the dish and balance the richness of the lentils. Serve the American Lentil Pot 2 hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil if desired, and enjoy with family or friends.
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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