Lentils With Chilies, Pork, And Fruit

This hearty Lentejas En Adobo transforms humble lentils into a luxurious meal by pairing them with slow-simmered pork and sweet tropical fruits. The dish features a deep, complex sauce made from blended ancho chilies, broiled tomatoes, and warm spices like cinnamon and clove. As the lentils cook, they absorb the savory pork broth and the subtle sweetness of plantains and pineapple, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It is a comforting, one-pot wonder that feels both rustic and refined, ideal for cold evenings or when you crave something deeply satisfying. The combination of earthy legumes, tender meat, and bright fruit makes this a unique twist on traditional stews, offering a robust flavor profile that is sure to become a family favorite.

Cooking Method: Boiling, Frying, Stewing

Cuisine: Filipino, Mexican

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 4

Calories: 65.8

Dietary: Vegan

Description

This hearty Lentejas En Adobo transforms humble lentils into a luxurious meal by pairing them with slow-simmered pork and sweet tropical fruits. The dish features a deep, complex sauce made from blended ancho chilies, broiled tomatoes, and warm spices like cinnamon and clove. As the lentils cook, they absorb the savory pork broth and the subtle sweetness of plantains and pineapple, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It is a comforting, one-pot wonder that feels both rustic and refined, ideal for cold evenings or when you crave something deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

1/2 pound (1 heaped cup) lentils,
1 lb Boneless stewing pork, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 small White onion
5 small Chilies anchos, cleaned of veins and seeds and lightly toasted
1/4 lb Tomatoes, broiled
1 clove Garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
1/4 ts Dried oregano, Mexican if possible
1 whole clove
1 1/2 Inch cinnamon stick
1 tb Melted lard or safflower oil
1 medium Plantain (about 8-oz), peeled and cut into 1/4 Inch cubes
2 thick pineapple slices, peeled, cored, and cut into Small triangular wedges
to taste Sea salt

Directions

1
Run the lentils through your hands to remove any stones or foreign bodies, then rinse them in two changes of water.
2
Place rinsed lentils in a large pan, add the chopped onion, salt to taste, and enough water to cover the lentils by about 2 inches.
3
Bring the lentils to a fast simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer until the lentils are quite soft, approximately 3 hours. Keep a pan of near-boiling water nearby to add if the pot becomes too dry.
4
Meanwhile, place the cubed pork in a separate pan, add salt to taste and enough water to cover.
5
Bring the pork to a fast simmer and cook until tender but not falling apart, about 25 minutes.
6
Strain the pork, reserving both the broth and the meat separately.
7
Cover the dried ancho chilies with boiling water and let soak for about 15 minutes until softened and fleshy.
8
Drain the chilies and place them in a blender with 1 cup of the reserved pork broth, the broiled tomatoes, garlic, oregano, whole clove, and cinnamon stick.
9
Blend the mixture until smooth, adding more broth only if necessary to help the blades move.
10
Heat the lard or oil in a small frying pan over medium heat.
11
Add the blended chili mixture to the pan and fry, stirring and scraping the bottom, until reduced and well seasoned, about 4 minutes.
12
Add the fried chili sauce to the pot of cooked lentils.
13
Stir in the cooked pork, remaining pork broth, cubed plantain, and pineapple wedges.
14
Simmer everything together for about 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
15
Adjust salt to taste and add water if the mixture is too thick; it should have the consistency of a thick soup.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 65.8kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.2g1%
Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 1.1mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 11.3g4%
Dietary Fiber 4.5g18%
Sugars 1.0g
Protein 5.1g11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

The lentils may take longer to cook depending on their age; check for tenderness after 2.5 hours.

If using a blender, ensure the chili sauce is completely smooth to avoid large chunks of skin in the final dish.

Plantains should be ripe but still firm to hold their shape during simmering.

This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and use vegetable broth instead.

Keywords: lentils, pork, adobo, stew, ancho chilies, plantain, pineapple, filipino, mexican, comfort food, slow cooked, savory, hearty, spicy, vegetarian option, one pot meal, cinnamon, garlic, tomato sauce

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/lentils-with-chilies-pork-and-fruit-lentejas-en-adobo/

Chefs Mate

Lentils With Chilies, Pork, And Fruit – Lentejas En Adobo

Nutrition Facts