Mexican Lentil Stew

As promised (well, kinda) here is a wonderfully delicious recipe. This one is tried and true, I make it at least once a month, usually more! It's hearty and light at the same time, a little spicy and a little tangy, and overall really delicious! I wish I made this up but I didn't, it's from my favorite cooking blog, Budget Bytes. If you have a minute check it out, she has a ton of really great recipes that are made on a budget, so they are not only delicious they are also affordable!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dry lentils
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 3 stalks celery
• 4 cloves garlic
• two 14.5 oz. cans fire roasted diced tomatoes (regular diced is fine, but the fire roasted really adds an amazing flavor!)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 tsp each turmeric and cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 10-15 dashes hot sauce
• 1 medium lime
• 1 handful cilantro

Directions:

1. In a medium pot, bring the 2 cups of lentils and 4 cups of water to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, turn off the heat and let sit with a lid on for about 20 minutes.
2. While the lentils are cooking, begin the stew. Finely dice the onions and cook over medium heat in 2 Tbsp of olive oil. While the onions begin to cook, finely dice the garlic and add to the pot. While the onions and garlic cook, finely chop the celery and then add to the pot.
3. Cook the onions, garlic and celery until they are soft but not brown. Add the cans of diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, turmeric, cumin, chili powder and the hot sauce. Continue to cook over medium heat until hot.
4. At this point, the lentils should have absorbed the water and become soft. Add the lentils and any remaining water to the soup mixture. Stir well and slightly mash using the back of your spoon.
5. Once the entire mixture is hot, add a handful of chopped cilantro and taste test to see if you want any more heat (hot sauce) or salt and pepper.
6. You can either add the juice of lime to the pot or serve the bowls of stew with a wedge of lime. I like the wedge of lime because it makes for a pretty presentation and that way people can choose whether or not they want it.

I love adding some tortilla chips to it too. :) This recipe makes 12 1.5 cup servings so if you have a small family I recommend halving it. :) Enjoy!

Edited to add: Oh my goodness I forgot the picture!!

Much better. Sorry folks! Carry on with your regularly scheduled Saturday.