Menestra de Lentejas con Patacones y Queso Asado – Authentic Ecuador Recipe

Ingredients for Menestra de Lentejas con Patacones y Queso Asado (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) brown lentils, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups crispy smashed green plantains (patacones), washed and trimmed
• 1 cup seared white cheese
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with ground cumin
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Ecuador seasoning (garlic, bell pepper sofrito, cilantro)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown brown lentils for 5 minutes.
2. Add minced onion, garlic, ground cumin, and garlic, bell pepper sofrito, cilantro, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
3. Add crispy smashed green plantains (patacones) and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
5. Stir in seared white cheese right before serving warm.