1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
4 cups water
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups chopped tomatoes, fresh or canned
2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
1 teaspoon dried basil, or two tablespoons fresh basil, chiffoned and chopped.
4 large cloves garlic, smashed and minced
1 1/2 tsp sea salt

That's the base. I add:

1 tsp cumin
1 tsp ground chipotle
1/2 tsp cayenne

Combine the lentils and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the lentils are soft.

Add remaining ingredients, and simmer for another 20 minutes.

Serve with hot sauce and a pile of shredded cheese. Beer is an appropriate condiment.

Swap some of the water with chicken stock for something a little more savory. Dump in some curry powder to go with a little Indian flair. I add a few tablespoons of Mild to Wild Savina Habenero and Garlic sauce.

Add sausage all you want Bama. We're pro-dead animal in our house

Cheers,

-Andrew