Lentils - Monastery Style
A hearty monastery-style lentil stew featuring tender lentils, tomatoes, onions, and aromatic herbs, finished with sherry and topped with Swiss cheese for rich flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté onions and carrot in olive oil for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add thyme and marjoram and sauté for one minute more.
- Add stock or seasoned water, washed lentils, tomatoes, salt, and cook, covered, for about an hour until lentils are tender.
- Stir in sherry and cook a few more minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Swiss cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding diced potatoes or bell peppers along with the onions and carrots. If you're out of Swiss cheese, Gruyère or even feta can be a delicious alternative. Adjust the seasoning to your taste; a splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors. For a vegetarian version, ensure your stock is vegetable-based.
Serving Suggestions
This lentil dish pairs beautifully with Herbed-Stuffed Tomatoes for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside a light salad, like Cold Cucumber, Sour Cream Salad, for a refreshing contrast. A slice of crusty bread or Syrian Rice can round out the meal, making it both satisfying and nutritious.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if it has thickened. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it cools completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lentils - Monastery Style contains roughly 1251 calories, with 25g protein, 183g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (132% of the Daily Value), and potassium (81% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned lentils instead of dry lentils?
Yes, you can use canned lentils to save time. Just rinse and drain them, then add them in during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to heat through, adjusting the liquid as necessary since they are already cooked.
What can I substitute for sherry?
If you don't have sherry, white wine or a splash of apple cider vinegar can work as alternatives. For a non-alcoholic option, consider using a bit of white grape juice with a dash of vinegar to mimic the acidity.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions and carrots. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).