Colombian Style Lentils (Lentejas)

Lentejas (pronounced: lehn-teh-haz) are Colombian style lentils.

These lentils can be enjoyed alone, in a soup, or with rice. Typically, this dish is flavored with meat, I don’t like it that way. Instead, I added more veggies and seasonings!

Try this recipe for a comforting meal that is packed with veggies like carrot, tomato, spinach, and potato.

These Colombian style lentils are hearty, comforting, nutritious, and packed with plant protein!

You will need:

• ½ lb dried green lentils (about 1 1/3 cup)
• 3 1/2 cups veggie broth
• 1 cup of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup of spinach
• 1 cup of diced carrots
• 1 cup of diced yukon gold potatoes (peeled)
• ½ cup diced green onion
• 1/3 cup packed with chopped white or red onion
• ½ cup freshly diced cilantro
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 ½ tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

• Rinse the lentils and place in a bowl. Add water until the lentils are fully submerged. Let the lentils soak overnight in the water bowl.
• The next day, add all of the ingredients, except for the lemon juice, spinach, and cilantro, to a pressure cooker. Pressure cook for 4 minutes.
• At the end of the 4 minutes, let the pressure naturally release. Then, open the lid to remove the bay leaves. Add the lemon juice, spinach, and fresh cilantro. Stir. Season to taste.
• Enjoy with rice and avocado.
• Yields 6-8 servings