Imagine a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the earthy richness of lentils with the sweet, caramelized goodness of ripe plantains - a culinary journey that transports you straight to the vibrant kitchens of the Dominican Republic. This Estofado de Lentejas con Plátano Maduro isn't just a meal; it's a warm embrace of traditional Caribbean flavors that promises to tantalize your taste buds and comfort your soul. Get ready to unlock a recipe that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Dominican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 ripe plantain
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the lentils under cold water to remove any impurities. Set them aside to drain.
- Peel the ripe plantain and cut it into thick slices, about 1-inch wide. Set aside.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
- Stir in the rinsed lentils, making sure they are well combined with the onion, bell pepper, and garlic mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the thyme. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- After the lentils have cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the sliced plantain to the pot, gently stirring to combine.
- Cover the pot again and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the plantain to soften and absorb the flavors of the stew.
- Once the plantain is tender, remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Estofado de Lentejas con Plátano Maduro hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Dominican dish!
Tips
- Choose ripe plantains with dark spots for maximum sweetness and soft texture.
- Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and prevent grittiness.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content of your stew.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a splash of red wine vinegar.
- If the stew becomes too thick, add a little hot water to reach your desired consistency.
- Let the stew rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
