Ingredients and Weight:
- Lentils: 2 cups (dry)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Chicken broth: 3 cups
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
- Bay leaves: 2-3
- Diced tomatoes (optional): 1 cup
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional): for garnish
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 45-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Sort and wash lentils, then set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic, and cook until softened.
- Stir in the dried oregano.
- Add the lentils and chicken broth, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, add bay leaves, and let simmer for about 45 minutes or until lentils are tender but still intact.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, if using, and let cook for another 5-10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
- Serve hot.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving: assuming 8 servings)
- Calories: 250-300 (depending on the additional ingredients)
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 8-12g
- Fat: 8-12g (most of it from olive oil)
Dish Characteristics:
- This dish is hearty and full of flavor, with a hint of Italian influence.
- The lentils are cooked to perfection, retaining their shape and texture.
- It's a great dish for meatless meals or as a side dish for any protein.
- The dish is rich in fiber and protein, making it a great choice for a healthy meal.
User Comments:
- "This lentils dish was amazing! The flavor was so rich and hearty, perfect for a cold winter's day."
- "I love the texture of the lentils in this dish, not too soft but not hard either. The oregano gave it a great flavor."
- "This is a great vegetarian dish! I added some diced tomatoes and it was even better."
- "A must-try for any lentils lover! The dish was quite simple to make as well."
- "I served this as a side dish for chicken and it was a great match! The flavors complimented each other perfectly."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to sort and wash the lentils to remove any debris or impurities.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Start with less salt and pepper, and add more if needed.
- If you want to make this dish even more hearty, you can add cooked meat (e.g., chicken or pork) during the last 10 minutes of cooking.