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2. Bolivian Ají de Lentejas 1

Bolivian Ají de Lentejas Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Have you ever tried a Bolivian Ají de Lentejas Recipe? It's a flavorful dish that combines lentils with a variety of spices and vegetables. This traditional Bolivian recipe is known for its rich taste and potential health benefits.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Bolivian
Calories: 215
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups lentils dried
  • 1 smoked dried hot pepper
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 2 tomatoes diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot: For cooking the lentils and vegetables.
  • Sieve: To rinse the lentils and drain them.
  • Cutting board: For chopping the onion, garlic, bell pepper, tomatoes, carrots, and celery.
  • Knife: To chop the vegetables.
  • Wooden spoon: For stirring the ingredients while cooking.
  • Ladle: To serve the Ají de lentejas.
  • Bowls or serving dishes: To serve the dish.

Method
 

Rinse the dried lentils under cold water to remove any impurities. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for at least 1 hour.
  1. a. Place the dried lentils in a sieve and rinse under cold water.
  2. b. Transfer the rinsed lentils to a large bowl.
  3. c. Fill the bowl with enough water to cover the lentils completely.
  4. d. Allow the lentils to soak for at least 1 hour.
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  1. a. Place a large pot on the stove.
  2. b. Add the vegetable oil to the pot.
  3. c. Heat the oil over medium heat.
  4. d. Add the chopped onion to the pot.
  5. e. Add the minced garlic to the pot.
  6. f. Stir the onion and garlic mixture until the onion turns translucent and releases a pleasant aroma.
Add the diced bell pepper, tomatoes, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  1. a. Add the diced bell pepper to the pot.
  2. b. Add the diced tomatoes to the pot.
  3. c. Add the diced carrots to the pot.
  4. d. Add the diced celery to the pot.
  5. e. Stir the vegetables to combine them with the onion and garlic mixture.
  6. f. Cook the mixture for a few minutes until the vegetables start to become tender.
Drain the soaked lentils and add them to the pot. Stir well to coat the lentils with the vegetable mixture.
  1. a. Place a sieve over the sink.
  2. b. Pour the soaked lentils into the sieve to drain the water.
  3. c. Transfer the drained lentils to the pot.
  4. d. Stir the lentils and vegetable mixture together until they are well combined.
Sprinkle the ground cumin and paprika over the lentils. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Stir everything together.
  1. a. Sprinkle the ground cumin evenly over the lentils and vegetables.
  2. b. Sprinkle the paprika evenly over the lentils and vegetables.
  3. c. Add salt and pepper to the pot, adjusting the amount to suit your taste.
  4. d. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are evenly seasoned.
Pour the vegetable broth into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
  1. a. Slowly pour the vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring it covers all the ingredients.
  2. b. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. c. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.
  4. d. Cover the pot with a lid to trap the heat and simmer the stew.
  5. e. Allow the stew to simmer for approximately 45 minutes or until the lentils have become tender.
Serve the Ají de lentejas hot, accompanied by cooked rice or bread.
  1. a. Ladle the hot Ají de lentejas into bowls or serving dishes.
  2. b. Serve the dish alongside cooked rice or bread for a complete meal.

Notes

Soaking the lentils: Soaking the lentils before cooking helps reduce the cooking time.
Adjusting spice level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot pepper or omit it altogether.
Vegetable variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as zucchini or corn for added variety.
Garnish with herbs: Sprinkle some fresh cilantro or parsley on top before serving for a burst of freshness.
Adding acidity: Squeeze some lime or lemon juice over the stew just before serving to enhance the flavors.