When we think about Argentine Guiso de Lentejas, we immediately think of cold winter days, where a warm, maybe even spicy guiso de lentejas awaits us. Vegetarian or not, this Guiso Argentino is a recipe that shouldn’t be underestimated, filled with taste, texture, and character that is capable of warming the cockles of your heart! In this step-by-step recipe, I will share with you my personal Recipe for an Argentine Guiso de Lentejas, a traditional Argentine stew that is made up of vegetables, chorizo, lentils, salsa, and a few simple spices.
Tasty, tangy, and fun, let this recipe begin.
Picture this: it’s a cold Argentine winter evening, maybe the kind where your breath fogs up the window, and you’re curled up waiting for a hot bowl of guiso de lentejas. Just the name conjures up feelings of warmth, tradition, and delicious nostalgia. Whether packed with smoky chorizo or made vegetarian for a lighter touch, this stew is a staple of Argentine comfort food—bold, filling, and brimming with soul. In this recipe we will take their traditional recipe, add some of my personal findings, and create a unique dish: Guiso de Lentejas Argentino!
Guiso de Lentejas (literally “lentil stew”) is a hearty, tangy, rustic dish with deep roots in Argentine working-class kitchens. Inspired by European stews but made unique by local ingredients and customs, it’s a dish passed down from abuelas to grandchildren—a reminder of frugality, flavor, and family.
Though enjoyed year-round, guiso truly shines during winter. It’s the go-to meal when the temperature drops and you need something warm to stick to your ribs. Families make huge pots of it, letting it simmer for hours while the scent fills the home.
A few weeks ago, we did a Guiso de Falda (short ribs) at the beach, which is another “guiso Argentino”. If you are interested here is the full episode:
Lentils are not just a filler—they’re the heart of the stew. Green or brown lentils work best because they hold their shape, absorb flavors beautifully, and offer a protein-rich, satisfying base. The top tip here is to buy dried lentils and let them rest overnight in cold water for at least 12 hours or ideally 24. This fills them up, absorbs moisture, and also allows nutrients to be better absorbed, and improves digestion.
You’ll need:
These form the classic Argentine soffritto, sautéed until golden before anything else joins the pot.
Traditionally, meat is what turns guiso from a stew into a feast. Common options include:
Each adds its own layer of uniqueness, texture and richness.
My personal favorites are: short tibs and Osso Bucco, mainly due to the texture, and fat-to-meat ratio!
Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes bring acidity and body. Seasonings vary, but often include:
Don’t forget the salt—it binds it all together.
Even without meat, guiso still slaps. Lentils, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and good seasoning are more than enough to create layers of deep flavor.
Crumbled mushrooms or soy chorizo add richness and texture. Don’t be afraid to go bold with garlic and smoked paprika.
Add:
It’ll still hit all the right notes.
Prep everything ahead—this stew builds layer by layer.
Here is a picture of Guiso de Lentejas done in the traditional Argentine “Disco”.
In the Patagonia, expect guiso with lamb. In Buenos Aires, it’s more tomato-forward and may even include pasta. Northern provinces add ají molido for spice.
Argentines traditionally go mild, but there’s no rule against jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or smoked chili. Over the past 2 decades of living in Argentina, I haven’t found too many traditional Argentines who enjoy overly spicy food, different from the English, American, or Indian culture, where spice, amongst others ( tabasco sauce for example!) is at each table!
No panceta? Use bacon. No chorizo? Try kielbasa or even a spicy Italian sausage. Guiso is forgiving and flexible.
The starch from potatoes and lentils thickens the broth naturally. Every bite offers a mix of soft veggies, firm lentils, and juicy meats.
The smoked paprika in chorizo, paired with the tang of tomatoes, creates a deep, savory richness.
This is the kind of stew that hugs your insides. It’s not refined cuisine—it’s real food, made with love.
Puchero is more of a boiled meat and veggie soup—light broth, no lentils. Guiso is dense, thick, and layered in flavor.
Most European-style lentil soups are thinner and more uniform in texture. Guiso is chunkier and richer.
Locro is another Argentine winter dish but corn-based and heavier. Guiso is simpler and more everyday.
Use it to scoop, mop, and enjoy every drop.
Lentils are loaded with plant-based protein, making this dish filling without needing much meat.
You’ll also get:
Skip panceta and beef for a lighter meal. Add extra lentils and carrots for bulk.
Time is flavor. Let the pot bubble slowly so everything melts together.
Day two guiso is magical. The flavors deepen overnight—reheat gently and enjoy again.
Always start with a good soffritto (onions, garlic, peppers). Toast your spices in oil to unlock aroma.
Kids grow up on this stew. Adults crave it when they’re far from home. It’s the kind of dish that builds memories.
Large pots on the stove, windows fogged up, everyone around the table with second helpings—it’s a winter tradition.
Some add rice. Others toss in smoked ribs. The core remains the same, but every home adds their own love.
Portion it out, label it, and it’ll be a life-saver on busy days.
They should be tender, not mushy. Keep an eye on them around the 35-minute mark.
Add ingredients in stages. Browning meats and sautéing veggies before stewing makes all the difference.
It’s a stew, not a soup. Watch your ratios—start with less liquid and add more as needed.
Guiso de Lentejas isn’t just food—it’s a feeling. A taste of home, a bowl of warmth, a dish that transforms simple ingredients into something greater than the sum of their parts. Whether you’re eating alone under a blanket or sharing it with loved ones around a bustling table, this stew delivers flavor, nourishment, and tradition in every spoonful.
So fire up the stove, grab those lentils, and start simmering. Buen provecho, amigo.
Yes! Brown the meats and veggies first, then dump everything in and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Green or brown lentils—they hold their shape and soak up flavor without turning mushy.
Absolutely. Just make sure to cool it first and store in freezer-safe containers.
Try spicy Italian sausage, smoked kielbasa, or even soy chorizo for a plant-based version.
Totally! Just adjust the liquid so it doesn’t get too thick. Add near the end of cooking.
