Dive into the rich and flavorful world of Egyptian cuisine with this hearty and healthy lentil stew. This creamy, satisfying dish is surprisingly simple to make, bursting with the warm spices and comforting textures that define Egyptian home cooking. Forget bland lentil recipes; this vibrant stew showcases the magic of caramelized onions, fragrant cumin, and a touch of lemon for a zesty finish. It's a complete meal in itself, packed with protein and fiber, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The vibrant colors and aromatic spices will transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched streets of Egypt.
This Egyptian lentil stew is incredibly versatile; adapt it to your taste by adding vegetables like spinach or potatoes, or experiment with different herbs. Ready to experience the authentic flavors of Egypt in your own kitchen? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- Lentils: 2 cups
- Coconut oil
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Sweet potato: 1 medium
- Onions
- Tomato paste: 6 ounces
- Curry powder: 1 heaping tablespoon
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Ground turmeric: 1 teaspoon
- Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic chili sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Red curry paste: 1 teaspoon
- Red chili paste: 1 teaspoon
- Coconut milk: 1 can (13.5 ounces)
- Water: 5 cups (approximately)
- Rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Lentils
- Rinse lentils and soak in 5 cups of water for about 1.5 hours.
- While lentils soak, prepare vegetables. Dice sweet potato and onions.
Step 2. Sauté Vegetables and Build Flavor
- Sauté onions in coconut oil until translucent.
- Add diced sweet potatoes to the onions and cook for a few minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, Dijon mustard, garlic chili sauce, red curry paste, and red chili paste.
Step 3. Simmer the Stew
- Drain the soaked lentils and add them to the pot along with the coconut milk and 2 cups of hot water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve the stew over rice.
Read more: Delicious Chicken Maqluba Rice Recipe (Sinhala)
Tips
- Adjust the amount of chili paste to control the spiciness level.
- This recipe is vegan and gluten-free.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use brown or green lentils instead of red lentils?
Yes! Red lentils cook faster and create a creamier texture, but brown or green lentils will work too. Just be aware they'll take longer to cook and the stew's consistency will be slightly less creamy.
2. Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Creamy Egyptian Lentil Stew is a testament to the power of simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavor. Enjoy this nourishing and delicious vegan meal, perfect for any occasion. From its vibrant colors to its comforting warmth, this stew is sure to become a new family favorite.