Braised lentils are a simple and nutritious dish from Italian tradition, often associated with New Year’s lunch, as they are believed to bring luck and prosperity.
However, lentils are not just for Christmas or New Year; they are a healthy and versatile food that can be enjoyed all year round.
Nutritionally, lentils are rich in plant proteins, fiber, iron, B vitamins, and minerals. These properties help provide energy, aid digestion, and are suitable for those following a balanced or vegetarian diet.
You can enjoy them as a side dish or served alongside couscous or plain rice.
Lentils are great in soups, veggie burgers, and for numerous other dishes.
Shall we prepare them together?
Here are some other delicious and wholesome legume recipes:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Let’s see what we need to prepare this recipe
- 14 oz lentils
- 5.3 oz white wine (or red or even sweet liqueur if you like daring with a sweet and sour combination)
- 1 carrot
- 2 stalks celery
- 2 cloves garlic
- Half onion
- to taste fine salt
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- 21 oz water (hot)
- to taste chili pepper
- 2 potatoes (Optional)
- 3 plum tomatoes (or another type)
Tools
- 1 Frying pan
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Knife
- 1 Colander
Steps
First, thoroughly wash the lentils, as they often have soil residues.
Chop carrots in a pan, along with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and celery stalks.
I slice them but also leave some whole stalks, which I remove towards the end of cooking.
Add a splash of olive oil, salt and let these ingredients soften.
If you want more creaminess in the dish, add a cubed potato.
Then add the lentils, previously washed, and let them absorb the flavors.
Sauté them with the other ingredients and deglaze with the wine.
Add a bit of chili if you like.
Heat up 21 oz of water and add to the lentils.
Now cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for the necessary time.
I cook them for 2 hours on low heat.
After 50 minutes to an hour, taste and check to see if it’s cooked to your liking.
Some advice and interesting facts about braised lentils
Braised lentils contain isoflavones, compounds with antioxidant properties, very useful in fighting free radicals.
Thiamine (vitamin B1) aids memory and concentration, while vitamin B3 (or vitamin PP) helps the body manage energy and reduce blood triglycerides.
So?
What are you waiting for to prepare them? 😉
➡️This braised lentil recipe will also come in handy at Christmas to pair with cotechino and zampone.
You can also use them to dress couscous or plain rice.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Did you like the braised lentil recipe?
If yes and you feel like it, express your vote and judgment with the stars below.
If you give me 5, it will obviously be the highest satisfaction.
THANK YOU FROM THE HEART
If you also want to see my video recipes, follow me on my page ➡️ INSTAGRAM
