Make Ahead

Lentil & Chorizo Stew with Saffron & Cinnamon

December 30, 2010
4
5 Ratings
  • Serves 8
Author Notes

This recipe encompasses a world of flavors, Spanish, Moroccan and Mediterranean. Serve it as a main course on a cold wintery night or as a first course as part of a meal. To make it vegetarian, omit the chorizo and use vegetable instead of chicken stock. —epicureanodyssey

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Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion, medium dice
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 pound Spanish chorizo, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure saffron, crushed with a mortar and pestle
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 14-ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes, preferably Muir Glen, or regular canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 red bell pepper, medium dice
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, medium dice
  • 2 cups brown Spanish lentils (padrina) or French green lentils (puy), cooked until tender
  • 2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and cooked until tender, or 2 14-ounce cans, rinsed and drained
  • 5 to 6 cups low-sodium commercial chicken stock
  • extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • cilantro leaves, for garnish
  • crusty bread, for serving
Directions
  1. In a soup pot, over medium heat, add the olive oil. Add the onion and saute' about 3 to 4 minutes, or until onion has softened. Add the garlic, stir for 30 seconds, and add the chorizo. Saute' for another minute or two, then add the saffron, coriander, cinnamon and ginger. Stir to combine. Add the tomatoes, red and yellow bell peppers, lentils and chickpeas. Stir to combine. Add 5 cups chicken stock, cover and cook over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If the stew seems too dry, add a little more stock.
  2. To serve, ladle into warm soup bowls, drizzle with olive oil and top with cilantro leaves. Serve hot with warm crusty bread
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2 Reviews

epicureanodyssey October 12, 2012
Glad you enjoyed it! I am in Spain at the moment devouring tapas and pintxos!
Amandadp October 8, 2012
I love this! The warming smell of the spices was perfect for a cold, rainy day. My only modification was I only used 1 cup dry lentils. I look forward to having this for lunch tomorrow!