This hearty stew, typically made with a variety of meats and root vegetables, is enjoyed throughout Latin America in many different forms. In my vegetarian version, based on Dominican sancocho, red lentils serve double duty as a plant protein and thickener for the fragrant broth scented with aromatics and spices. A filling combination of yuca, squash, plantains and corn round out the dish to make a substantial meal.
| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 1 hr 20 min |
| Active: | 25 min |
| Yield: | 6 servings |
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups red lentils
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 8 ounces kabocha squash, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 8 ounces yuca, peeled, fibrous core removed, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 ears corn, each cut into 6 rounds
- 1 green plantain, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
- Kosher salt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Habanero hot sauce, for serving, optional
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of water (about 8 cups) to a boil and add the lentils. Simmer over medium heat until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the lentils and let cool, then transfer to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth; set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the tomato paste, oregano, paprika, cumin, garlic, bell pepper and onion and cook until the spices are toasted and the tomato paste turns a deep brick red, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the lentil puree, squash, yuca, broth, corn, plantain and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the root vegetables are completely tender, about 30 minutes.
- Adjust for salt as needed and stir in the cilantro and lime juice. If you enjoy heat, top with habanero hot sauce.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 of 6 servings |
| Calories | 414 |
| Total Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 70 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 1106 mg |
Reviews
Incredibly filling and hearty. So good!