Spicy Pork Stew with Lentils

Here’s an Italian version of spicy pork stew with lentils, a rich and comforting dish, perfect for the colder days.

Ingredients

• 500 g of pork meat for stew
• 200 g of lentils (preferably soaked or hulled lentils that cook faster)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks of celery, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 400 g of canned peeled tomatoes
• 1 litre of meat or vegetable stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chili pepper (optional, if you like it spicy)
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation

1. In a large pot, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and brown the pork pieces until they are golden on all sides. Remove the meat and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, add another drizzle of oil and sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until they are soft and lightly colored.
3. Add the spices (paprika, coriander, and cumin) and let them toast for a minute to enhance their flavors.
4. Put the meat back into the pot and add the peeled tomatoes. Gently crush them with the back of a spoon.
5. Add the lentils, the stock, and the bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer with the lid on for about 1 hour or until the meat and lentils are tender.
6. From time to time, check the level of liquid and add more stock if necessary. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.
7. If you desire a slightly thicker consistency, you can mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and, if you like, a pinch of chili pepper.

Curiosities

In Italy, lentils are often associated with luck and traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve. This recipe is a tasty way to bring some of this tradition to your table at any time of the year.

Enjoy your meal!