Traditional lentil pottage

Back home we have a huge tradition of soups and pottages, which is definitely something what I miss from the cuisine in Dubai. To refresh my memories about the “home sweet home” dishes, I made this easy, and cheap lentil pottage. It wasn’t as perfect as it is made by my lovely father, ( his know-how in cooking is irreplaceable) but I was absolutely satisfied with the results.

Ingredients for 4 person

• 2 glass (2*2,5dl) of lentile
• a smaller onion
• any kind of sausages, frankfurter or bacon (depends on what you prefer)
• one tablespoon of flour
• olive oil
• one big cup of sour cream
• spices like salt, pepper, paprika (not chili)
  +if you want you can make it more tasty with 2 carrots and a teaspoon of vinegar!

It requires a little preparation, because you have to soak the lentils for a few hours. The best if you do it the night before, and then it will be ready in the morning (if you want to make it for lunch). Put the lentils in a bowl and put water until barely cover it. The lentils will absorb it, which make them more soft and easier to cook. (for me it took around 4 hour).

Peel and slice the onion, then fry it on a little olive oil. When it starts to become brown, put the meat in the pot too, and stir them together for a few minutes. Then put the lentils into and stir it well to get a bit of colour (5 minutes are more than enough). Then use the spices as you like (and put the sliced carrots if you want), and pour as much water into the pot, to cover the lentils. Then cover the pot, and let it boil. When the water gone, you have to test, if the lentils are cooked/soft enough. If not, put a little more water, and let it boil again. If the consistence of the pottage is near to great, then put the flour in it, and stir well. It will solidify your meal, and unless having a lentile soup you will have this fine pottage.

At serving, I suggest to put sour cream on the top. I have to admit I’m the biggest sour cream fan in the world, -I even eat pancakes with sour cream,- so most of the time I will push you to use sour cream. But it’s not a must at all…You can use vinegar, to flavor the pottage a bit more before eat as well.

Maybe it’s not the most good looking meal, but it’s sooooo good! Not to mention it’s healthy as well (rich in fiber, heart friendly, with a blood sugar stabilizing effect). And also lentils are very filling, so even a small amount is enough to make you full. 🙂

Enjoy!