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Best Easy Lentejas con Plátano Macho Recipe

Name: Best Easy Lentejas con Plátano Macho Recipe
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 300 g
Ingredients: dried lentils 1.5 cups; ripe plantain 2 pieces; thick-cut bacon 6 slices; yellow onion 1 pieces; carrot 1 pieces; celery stalk 2 pieces; Roma tomato 2 pieces; garlic cloves 3 cloves; vegetable oil 2 tbsp; low-sodium chicken broth 6 cups; chipotle in adobo sauce 1.5 tbsp; ground cumin 1 tsp; dried oregano 1 tsp; kosher salt 1.25 tsp; black pepper 0.5 tsp

Mexican-style lentils simmered with sweet fried plantain slices, bacon, and chipotle. This protein-rich, fiber-packed family dish balances sweet and savory flavors beautifully.

Cook 70 min Difficulty NORMAL 380 kcal

#high protein #mexican #family meal

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

dried lentils 1.5 cups
ripe plantain 2 pieces
thick-cut bacon 6 slices
yellow onion 1 pieces
carrot 1 pieces
celery stalk 2 pieces
Roma tomato 2 pieces
garlic cloves 3 cloves
vegetable oil 2 tbsp
low-sodium chicken broth 6 cups

Seasonings/Sauce

chipotle in adobo sauce 1.5 tbsp
ground cumin 1 tsp
dried oregano 1 tsp
kosher salt 1.25 tsp
black pepper 0.5 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 52 g 54%

Protein 19 g 20%

Fat 10 g 26%

Serving size 300g

Cooking steps

1

Rinse lentils under cool water, then place them in a large pot with chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered.
2

While lentils cook, slice plantains into thick rounds. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat and fry plantain slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
3

Add bacon slices to the same skillet and cook over medium heat until crisp, then transfer bacon to a paper towel. Leave 1 tbsp bacon fat in the pan.
4

To the bacon fat, add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until vegetables soften. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
5

Stir in chopped tomatoes, chipotle in adobo, cumin, and oregano. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently to develop flavor.
6

Transfer sautéed vegetables and tomato mixture to the simmering lentils. Stir in salt, black pepper, and crumbled bacon. Continue to simmer for 30–40 minutes until lentils are tender.
7

Gently fold in fried plantain slices during the last 10 minutes of simmering, allowing flavors to meld while keeping the plantains intact.
8

Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Serve hot, ensuring each bowl has plantain, bacon, and plenty of rich broth.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient that defines Lentejas con Plátano Macho?

The signature combination is lentils simmered with fried ripe plantains. The plantains add a natural sweetness that beautifully balances the smoky bacon and chipotle, providing a unique texture and flavor profile to this Mexican family classic.

Q. How should I control heat when simmering the lentils for this recipe?

After bringing your lentils and broth to a rolling boil, it's important to reduce the heat to low. This gentle simmer allows the lentils to cook through without bursting, ensuring a creamy center. Add vegetables and tomato mixture once the liquid tempers, and monitor to avoid rapid boiling which can break apart the lentils.

Q. How do I prevent the plantains from getting too soft in the stew?

To preserve the plantains' texture, fry them until golden early on and only fold them into the lentils during the last 10 minutes of simmering. This timing lets the plantains absorb flavor while staying intact and tender, instead of turning mushy.

Q. How nutritious is each serving of this Lentejas con Plátano Macho recipe?

Each 300g serving contains 380 kcal, with 52g carbohydrates (54% of calories), 19g protein (20%), and 10g fat (26%). This makes it a protein-rich, hearty dish that's also high in fiber, and balanced between macros.

Best Easy Lentejas con Plátano Macho Recipe

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