Cajun Lentil Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp olive oil
• ½ lb. hot smoked sausage
• 2 smoked ham hocks
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
• 2 green onions, minced
• 1 16-oz bag of brown lentils, rinsed under cold water
• 2 tsp creole seasoning
• 10 C water
• 1 14-oz can Rotel tomatoes
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp thyme leaves
• 1 tsp salt

In a large kettle, heat the oil and sweat the vegetables and the smoked sausage, about 10-12 minutes. Add the lentils, seasonings, water, and tomatoes. You may substitute regular tomatoes in this step if you would like a less spicy dish. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 1½ hours or until the lentils are soft. You may need to add more water. Taste for seasoning and serve hot over rice with hot french bread.

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Michael Fritsche
mbf@fritsche.org

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