Cajun lentil stew

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1tablespoonOlive oil
¼cupOnion,chopped
2xesGarlic cloves,minced
cupWater
Bay leaf
½cupLentils
15ouncesTomatoes,whole,peeled(can)
cupDry red wine
3tablespoonsTomato paste
1teaspoonSugar
1teaspoonBasil
½teaspoonOregano
¼teaspoonThyme
¼teaspoonSalt
teaspoonPepper
2cupsZucchini,chopped

Directions

Heat the oil on a 3-qt saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring until softened. Add the water and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Stir in the lentils and return to a boil.

Reduce the heat and simmer 30 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes wit the liquid, breaking them up with the back of the spoon. Add the wine, tomato paste, sugar,basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer 10 minutes longer. Add the zucchini and simmer 15 minutes longer. Discard the bay leaf before serving.

This stew is a Louisiana-style chili. You can also serve it as a sauce over polenta or brown rice.

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