Smoked Lentil Stew with Chorizo

Ingredients

Olive oil

2 tablespoons

Chorizo sausage

8 ounces, sliced

Onion

1 large, diced

Garlic

3 cloves, minced

Carrots

2, diced

Celery

2 stalks, diced

Smoked lentils

1 cup, rinsed

Chicken broth

4 cups

Bay leaf

1

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste

Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley or cilantro)

for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add the sliced chorizo and cook until browned and crispy, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chorizo and set aside, leaving the flavorful oil in the pot.
3. In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the rinsed smoked lentils, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.
6. After 30 minutes, return the cooked chorizo to the pot and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Before serving, remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, and garnish with fresh herbs.