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Filipino Lentil Pot 2

Serves 4 to 6 Soup vegetarian, Soups

Filipino Lentil Pot 2

Filipino Lentil Pot 2 reflects the simplicity and warmth of Filipino home cooking, where dishes are crafted with instinct and shared effortlessly around the family table. This is the version that graces the homes rather than restaurants, prepared with an intuitive touch that captures the essence of everyday Filipino meals. The recipe honors the tradition of cooking by feel, with salt and fat added generously to suit the cook's taste and the family's preference.

Expect a comforting bowl that melds the earthiness of red lentils with the aromatic embrace of cumin and garlic. The gentle acidity from a squeeze of lemon brightens the dish, while the warmth of freshly cracked black pepper provides a subtle kick. Each ingredient comes together in a harmonious blend, creating a dish that is both hearty and inviting, perfect for savoring with loved ones around the table.

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. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the onion and garlic. Stir frequently, allowing them to soften and become translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to let them brown, as this can impart a bitter taste.
  2. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cumin, stirring it into the softened onions and garlic. Cook for another minute until the cumin releases its aroma, enhancing the base with its warm, earthy scent.
  3. Rinse 300 g of red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the lentils to the pot, stirring to coat them in the aromatic mixture. This ensures that the lentils absorb the flavors as they cook.
  4. Pour in 1.5 liters of water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally, watching for the lentils to soften and break down, which should take about 20 to 25 minutes. The lentils should become tender and begin to thicken the liquid.
  5. While the lentils are simmering, roll a lemon on your countertop to release its juices, then cut it in half. Once the lentils have reached a creamy consistency, squeeze half of the lemon into the pot, catching any seeds with your hand. Stir well to integrate the citrus, which will brighten the flavors.
  6. Season the lentil pot with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Stir and taste again, adjusting the seasoning as needed. The dish should have a balanced flavor, with the lemon providing a fresh contrast to the earthy lentils.
  7. Finish the dish by drizzling a small amount of olive oil over the top before serving. This adds a rich, silky texture to the dish. Serve the Filipino Lentil Pot 2 warm, inviting everyone to share from the communal pot, as is traditional at Filipino home tables.
Cover of Authentic Filipino Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Filipino Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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