Panamanian Comfort Lentils
Experience the heartwarming flavors of Panama with these savory lentils that harmoniously blend spices and fresh vegetables. Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is not only nutritious but also filling and satisfying. Enjoy it as a wholesome meal on its own or as a hearty side dish with your favorite protein. Once you try this recipe, you'll see why it's a beloved comfort food in Panamanian kitchens.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried lentils
1 cup (washed)
butter or oil
1 teaspoon (melted)
water
4 cups (as needed)
red or green peppers
1 (diced)
small onion
1 (diced)
garlic cloves or minced garlic
3 cloves or 3/4 tablespoon (minced)
beef or chicken bouillon cubes
2 (dissolve in cooking liquid)
salt
to taste (add during cooking)
pepper
to taste (add during cooking)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the lentils under cold running water to remove any impurities.
2
In a medium-sized saucepan, add the lentils and pour in 4 cups of water. Stir in the butter or oil to enhance the flavor.
3
Cover the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat. This slow cooking method helps keep the lentils intact.
4
While the lentils are cooking, prepare your vegetables. Dice the red and green peppers, onion, and mince the garlic.
5
Once the lentils reach a low boil, slightly tilt the lid to allow steam to escape and prevent overboiling.
6
Add the diced onions, peppers, and minced garlic to the saucepan, continuing to simmer for about 45 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
7
After cooking, drain the lentils using a fine-mesh strainer, but save 1 cup of the cooking liquid to ensure the right texture.
8
Return the drained lentils to the saucepan and dissolve the beef or chicken bouillon cubes in the reserved liquid. Stir until the cubes are fully dissolved.
9
Finally, return the cooked lentils to the pan and simmer for an additional 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Panamanian Comfort Lentils?
Panamanian Comfort Lentils are a savory dish from Panama that blends lentils with fresh vegetables and spices for a hearty, nutritious meal.
What type of lentils should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of dried lentils that have been washed under cold running water.
How much water is required to cook the lentils?
You will need 4 cups of water to cook the lentils initially.
Should I add fat to the cooking water?
Yes, adding 1 teaspoon of butter or oil to the saucepan helps enhance the flavor of the lentils.
What vegetables are included in Panamanian Comfort Lentils?
The dish includes diced red or green peppers, a small diced onion, and minced garlic.
How much garlic is needed?
You can use either 3 cloves of garlic or 3/4 tablespoon of minced garlic.
What is the first step in preparing the lentils?
The first step is to thoroughly wash the dried lentils under cold running water to remove any impurities.
How long do the lentils need to simmer?
The lentils simmer for about 45 minutes once the vegetables are added, plus an additional 15 minutes at the end.
Why should I tilt the lid while the lentils boil?
Slightly tilting the lid allows steam to escape, which prevents the mixture from overboiling.
Do I need to drain the lentils after cooking?
Yes, you should drain the lentils using a fine-mesh strainer after the first 45 minutes of simmering.
Should I save any of the cooking liquid?
Yes, save 1 cup of the cooking liquid to ensure the final dish has the right texture.
How do I use the bouillon cubes?
Dissolve 2 beef or chicken bouillon cubes in the 1 cup of reserved cooking liquid before returning it to the pan.
Can I use chicken bouillon instead of beef?
Yes, the recipe allows for either beef or chicken bouillon cubes depending on your preference.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is packed with protein and fiber, making it both nutritious and satisfying.
Can this dish be served as a main course?
Absolutely, it can be enjoyed as a wholesome meal on its own or as a hearty side dish.
How should the peppers be prepared?
The red or green peppers should be diced before being added to the saucepan.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
The recipe is tagged as vegetarian; however, to keep it strictly vegetarian, use vegetable bouillon instead of beef or chicken bouillon.
What should I do after adding the bouillon mixture back to the lentils?
After adding the mixture, simmer the lentils for an additional 15 minutes and season with salt and pepper.
When should I add the salt and pepper?
Salt and pepper should be added to taste during the final 15 minutes of simmering.
How much butter or oil is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of butter or oil.
What size onion is required?
A single small onion, diced, is used for this recipe.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, one of the primary nutritional benefits of these lentils is that they are fiber-rich.
What heat setting should I use to simmer the lentils?
The lentils should be simmered over low heat to keep them intact.
Does the recipe require soaking the lentils overnight?
No, the instructions only mention washing them under cold water before cooking.
What is the purpose of the final 15-minute simmer?
The final simmer allows the lentils to absorb the flavor of the dissolved bouillon and seasonings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including seasonings.
What kind of strainer should I use?
A fine-mesh strainer is recommended for draining the lentils.
Can I use both red and green peppers?
The recipe specifies 1 red or green pepper, but you can use a mix if you prefer.
What makes this a comfort food?
Its heartwarming flavors and filling nature make it a beloved comfort staple in Panamanian kitchens.
What is the total time for the lentils to be on the stove?
The lentils spend approximately 60 minutes simmering on the stove in two stages.