Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 4 carrots (about 2 cups chopped)
- 1 Tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
Other Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots or raisins
- 3 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the yellow onion, mince the garlic cloves, grate the fresh ginger, and peel and dice the carrots into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger, sautéing until the onions are soft and translucent, about five minutes.
- Add Spices and Carrots: Stir in the diced carrots, ground cumin, cinnamon, allspice, and crushed red pepper. Continue sautéing the mixture for approximately two more minutes to release the spices’ aromas.
- Add Lentils and Liquids: Add the uncooked brown lentils, tomato paste, and the chopped dried apricots or raisins to the skillet. Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring well to dissolve the tomato paste into the liquid.
- Simmer Lentils: Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the mixture to a full boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently with the lid on for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Season to Taste: After 30 minutes, check that the lentils and carrots are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper depending on the broth’s saltiness.
- Serve: Serve the spiced lentils warm with crusty bread, over polenta, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for added color and freshness.
Notes
- Brown lentils hold their shape well after cooking, but if you prefer softer lentils, you can soak them beforehand or choose red lentils (adjust cooking time accordingly).
- The sweetness from dried apricots or raisins balances the warmth of the spices, but you can omit or substitute with other dried fruits if desired.
- Adjust crushed red pepper to your preferred level of heat or omit for a milder dish.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth if you want more control over the salt content.
- This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as crusty bread, polenta, or mashed potatoes for a filling meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
