Guiso de Lentejas

Name: Guiso de Lentejas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Uruguayan
Ingredients: 400g brown lentils, rinsed; 2 potatoes, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 400g crushed tomatoes; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 bay leaf; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper; 1 liter water or vegetable broth; Fresh parsley

Guiso de Lentejas (GHEE-soh deh lehn-TEH-hahs)

Lentil Stew

⏱ Prep Time 1 hour

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 336 kcal

A hearty, thick stew of brown lentils simmered with potatoes, carrots, onions, and cumin until everything melts into a comforting, warming bowl — the ultimate Uruguayan winter meal.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 18.0g

Carbs 48.0g

Fat 8.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

large pot wooden spoon ladle

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep ceramic bowl

Garnishes: parsley, olive oil drizzle

Accompaniments: crusty bread, salad

Ingredients

400g brown lentils, rinsed
2 potatoes, diced
2 carrots, diced
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
400g crushed tomatoes
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper
1 liter water or vegetable broth
Fresh parsley

Instructions

1
Sauté onion, carrots, and garlic in olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes.
2
Add cumin and paprika, stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3
Add lentils, potatoes, crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, and broth.
4
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
5
Cook for 35-40 minutes until lentils and potatoes are very tender and stew is thick.
6
Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.
7
Serve in deep bowls garnished with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

💡

Did You Know?

In Uruguay, eating lentils on New Year's Eve is a cherished tradition believed to bring prosperity and good luck for the coming year.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
wooden spoon
ladle

Garnishing

parsley, olive oil drizzle

Accompaniments

crusty bread, salad

The Story Behind Guiso de Lentejas

Guiso de lentejas is the epitome of Uruguayan home cooking — affordable, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. Spanish colonists brought lentil cultivation to the region, and the dish became a staple of working-class and rural Uruguayan kitchens. Every family has their version, and it remains the go-to comfort food during Uruguay's cold winters.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed winter lunch and dinner, cold weather comfort 📜 Origins: Spanish colonial origin, everyday home cooking

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