Cajun Lentil Stew

Ingredients

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

Directions

1. Sauté Base: Heat oil in a large kettle. Sweat vegetables and smoked sausage 10-12 minutes.
2. Simmer: Add lentils, ribs, seasonings, water, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover.
3. Cook: Simmer 1½ hours, or until lentils are tender, adding water if needed.
4. Serve: Adjust seasoning and serve hot over rice with French bread.

Chef's Notes

• Use regular canned tomatoes for less heat.

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