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Spiced Lentils with Carrots Recipe

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This hearty and flavorful Spiced Lentils with Carrots recipe combines aromatic spices and tender vegetables simmered together to create a nutritious and comforting meal. Perfectly seasoned with cumin, cinnamon, allspice, and a hint of crushed red pepper, these lentils pair beautifully with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes for an easy, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 yellow onion
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
  • 4 carrots (about 2 cups chopped)

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
  • 1 Tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the yellow onion, mince the garlic cloves, grate the fresh ginger, and peel and dice the carrots to ensure all ingredients are evenly sized for cooking.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about five minutes, releasing their flavors.
  3. Add Spices and Carrots: Stir in the diced carrots along with ground cumin, cinnamon, allspice, and crushed red pepper. Continue sautéing for an additional two minutes to toast the spices and slightly soften the carrots.
  4. Add Lentils and Liquids: Add the uncooked brown lentils, tomato paste, dried apricots or raisins, and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir well until the tomato paste dissolves fully into the broth. Cover the skillet with a lid and turn the heat to high.
  5. Bring to a Boil and Simmer: Allow the broth to come to a full boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, keeping the lid on, and let the lentils simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  6. Check for Doneness and Season: After simmering, the lentils and carrots should be tender. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed, depending on the saltiness of your broth, for balanced seasoning.
  7. Serve: Serve the spiced lentils hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired. They pair wonderfully with crusty bread, polenta, or mashed potatoes for a wholesome meal.

Notes

  • Brown lentils hold their shape well during cooking and provide a nice texture for this dish.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper quantity to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • Dried apricots add a subtle sweetness; raisins can be used as an alternative.
  • Use low-sodium vegetable broth if you wish to control the salt content more precisely.
  • Serving suggestion: This dish can be accompanied by crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or polenta for added comfort.

Find it online: https://recipefeastful.com/spiced-lentils-with-carrots-recipe/