Idiot's Guide #1: Chorizo Sausage Lentil and Bean Stew

For the first idiot's guide I decided to go with something really simple and healthy...

and what could be more simple than a complete one pot meal?

I wanted to do something with lentils as they rarely get the credit they deserve. Albeit a small and conveniently forgotten ingredient this legume packs a punch! Lentils are a good source of cholesterol lowering fiber and they are great at managing blood-sugar disorders. In addition to this, lentils are high in protein, low in fat, and contain essential minerals and vitamins. At just 230 calories a cup this is a hearty satisfying meal that your body will thank you for!

Ingredients:

1 Onion cut into wedges

3 Cloves of Garlic sliced

2 Carrots chopped into bit sized pieces

3 Chorizo Sausages cut into chunks

1 teaspoon Thyme (Fresh or Dried)

2 cups of Lentils or Mixed Beans (I used a bag of mixed lentils and beans for this)

1 cup of Red Wine (This is optional and if you don't have wine just put in an additional cup of water or stock)

3 cups of Water or Chicken Stock

1 tablespoon oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Step 1: In a large pot heat 1 tablespoon of oil on medium heat.

Step 2: Add the Chorizo Sausage chunks to the pot and fry just till browned.

Step 3: Scoop the browned sausages out of the pan and put them on a plate to use later. Keep the flame going.

Step 4: In the same pot add the onion wedges and the garlic slices and sautee till the onion turns translucent. If the garlic browns too fast turn the heat down a little.

Step 5: Once the onions are translucent add the carrots to the pot and give it a stir.

Step 6: Pour in the wine and scrape up any bits that might have stuck to the bottom of the pot (This is known as deglazing).

Step 7: Add the water/stock and thyme and bring to a boil.

Step 8: Add the lentils/beans and turn the heat down to the lowest it will go (This is known as bringing it down to a simmer). Put the browned Chorizo Sausages back into the pot.

Step 9: Cover the pot and cook till the beans are tender (This can be anywhere from 20 - 40mins). Just check frequently and do a taste test.

Step 10: Once the beans are tender you can turn off the heat. Stir in some salt and pepper, put some in a bowl and enjoy with a nice crusty bread!