| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 250 | 9g | 1.5g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 11g | 12g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Romanian Mâncare de linte cu legume
There’s something deeply satisfying about cooking a dish that bridges cultures and traditions. The first time I made Mâncare de linte cu legume, I was taken back to the roots of soulful, home-cooked food that I grew up with in Charleston. Here, the combination of fresh, earthy lentils and vibrant vegetables meld together to create an aroma that draws everyone into the kitchen.
A Symphony of Flavors
What I truly love about this recipe is its versatility and depth of flavor. From the hearty lentils, which bring a natural, nutty richness to the dish, to the fresh diced vegetables that provide a fantastic textural contrast. The olive oil, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves impart an aromatic warmth that reminds me of sitting around my Granny’s kitchen table, waiting for her famous gumbo to be ready.
The beauty of Mâncare de linte cu legume is that it’s deeply nourishing yet simple enough for a weekday meal. It’s similar in spirit to a hearty Southern stew, but with a Romanian twist that feels both exotic and familiar at the same time. Imagine pairing it with a flaky biscuit or a slice of crusty bread, and you’ve got yourself a meal that satisfies on every level.
A Cultural Enrichment
This recipe brings together a delightful mix of influences. I first stumbled upon it while exploring the works of Chef Nicolai Tand, who is renowned for bringing Romanian home cooking to the global stage. His passion for elevating simple ingredients into something extraordinary deeply resonates with my approach to food. It’s no wonder I find myself returning to this dish time and time again.
Mâncare de linte cu legume works wonderfully as a main dish but also pairs beautifully with other sides. Its robust flavors and wholesome ingredients can complement a creamy polenta or even a side of sautéed greens. It’s one of those dishes that continues to reveal layers of taste with every bite, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends.
By adapting this Romanian classic, I’ve found a new staple in my kitchen that echoes the comforting, soulful flavors I cherish. It’s an embrace of different food traditions that brings something new yet familiar to the table, capturing the essence of why I love cooking in the first place.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups green or brown lentils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
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Method
Step One
Rinse the lentils under cold water and set them aside.
Step Two
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it becomes translucent.
Step Three
Add the diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step Four
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step Five
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, rinsed lentils, dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir to combine.
Step Six
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
Step Seven
Season the Mâncare de linte cu legume with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Step Eight
Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
