Moroccan-Style Red Lentil Stew with Tomatoes
Red lentils simmered with tomatoes, carrots, turmeric and fresh parsley and cilantro.
This Moroccan-inspired lentil stew brings red lentils together with tomatoes, onion, garlic, carrots, turmeric and fresh herbs. The source calls for soaking the lentils, but red lentils generally soften quickly and do not need a long soak; rinse them and simmer until tender instead. Use a generous pot because the lentils thicken as they cook, and add broth or water if needed. Finish with parsley and cilantro for freshness. Serve hot with bread or spoon it over couscous for a filling plant-based meal. Heat oil in a heavy pot. Cook onions and carrots for 6 to 8 minutes until softened; stir in garlic and turmeric for 30 seconds. Add chopped tomatoes, salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes until juicy and softened.
Recipe card
Moroccan-Style Red Lentil Stew with Tomatoes
Equipment: Knife, cutting board, mixing bowl and heavy saucepan
Ingredients
Instructions
Soften aromatics
Heat oil in a heavy pot. Cook onions and carrots for 6 to 8 minutes until softened; stir in garlic and turmeric for 30 seconds.
Add tomatoes
Add chopped tomatoes, salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes until juicy and softened.
Simmer lentils
Stir in rinsed lentils and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer partly covered 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are soft.
Adjust texture
Add hot broth or water if stew becomes thicker than desired. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Finish
Stir in parsley and cilantro just before serving.
How to tell when it is ready
Cook until tender and hot throughout.
Tips
- Rinse lentils until water runs mostly clear.
- Stir occasionally as lentils thicken.
- Add broth gradually to adjust consistency.
- Add fresh herbs off the heat.
Troubleshooting
- If the mixture is too thick, add liquid a little at a time.
- If it cooks unevenly, reduce the heat and stir gently.
Substitutions
- Use a suitable low-sodium broth if preferred.
- Use a similar neutral oil for cooking.
Variations
- Adjust herbs and seasoning to taste.
- Add a little chilli for extra warmth.
Serving suggestions
- Serve with flatbread.
- Spoon over couscous.
- Add lemon wedges.
- Top with plain yogurt if desired.
Make ahead
Measure ingredients ahead and finish cooking shortly before serving.
Storage
Refrigerate in a covered container within 2 hours and use within 3 days.
Food safety
Contains no major allergens as listed. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this ahead?
Prepare components in advance and refrigerate promptly.
How should I store moroccan lentil stew?
Refrigerate in a covered container within 2 hours and use within 3 days.
Serve promptly and refrigerate leftovers safely.
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