Septiembre a Octubre es el Mes de la Herencia Hispana. (September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage Month.)

Hispanic Americans account for about 19% of the national population, or around 62.5 million people. Our last U.S. census showed the Hispanic growth rate was about four times the rate of the nation’s total population. LaFASA is lucky enough to have two advocates in the office who have Hispanic heritages. Rafael de Castro, Cuban, and Samantha Sheppard, whose mother came to the US from Panama. Both Rafael and Samantha add so much to serving survivors and to our coalition. Our state is home to many Hispanic Americans. LaFASA wants to reach all survivors of sexual assault. Language should never be a barrier to someone receiving help. We’ve created several images (found below this text) that can be republished and shared. We also have a wealth of information translated into Spanish. You can find that information HERE.

To celebrate, Samantha has shared one of her favorite recipes with you! ENJOY!
Savory Lentils or Lentejas
Each country has its own version of how to cook lentejas and this is the Panamanian way. 
1 cup of lentils
1 tsp of butter/oil
½ cup of green bell peppers
1 small onion
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 tbsp of minced garlic
1 Bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

• Wash lentils thoroughly.
• Put them in a saucepan and cover with water, add butter or oil.
• Cover and bring to a natural simmer over LOW heat.
• Add onions, peppers, and garlic and continue to simmer for about 45 mins or until lentils are soft.
• Drain lentils in a colander dish with a measuring cup beneath to catch the excess liquid. (or keep the liquid if you want lentil soup)
• Pour off all but 1 cup of the liquid (keeping the last cup gives the best texture) and return to the pan with bouillon cubes, until dissolved.
• Return lentils to pan and cook 15 minutes more, adding salt & pepper.

Serve with rice or eat on its own 🙂