Aromatic Spicy Lentil Zucchini Stew with Roasted Cashews
Embrace the rich, fragrant flavors of this delightful stew that combines hearty brown lentils with fresh zucchini and a medley of aromatic spices. Enhanced by the crunch of roasted cashew nuts, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners, satisfying your cravings for both comfort and spice. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice to absorb every mouthwatering bite. Inspired by Ellen Brown's beloved recipe, this stew is sure to become a staple in your home, offering a healthy yet indulgent meal for family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
onions
2 (peeled and chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (peeled and minced)
jalapeno
1 (seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped)
curry powder
1 tablespoon (none)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
ground coriander
1 teaspoon (none)
turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (none)
medium tomatoes
2 (rinsed, cored, seeded, and chopped)
brown lentils
1 1/2 cups (none)
vegetable stock
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (none)
cinnamon sticks
2 (none)
cardamom pods
2 (none)
cashew nuts
1 cup (none)
medium zucchini
3 (rinsed, trimmed, and diced in half-inch pieces)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
salt
to taste (none)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and finely chopped jalapeno, cooking for about three minutes until the onions are translucent.
2
Stir in the curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and turmeric, and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to release the spices' aroma.
3
Transfer the onion-spice mixture to the slow cooker. Add the chopped tomatoes, rinsed brown lentils, vegetable stock, cinnamon sticks, and cardamom pods. Stir well to combine.
4
Cover and cook on low for three to five hours or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lentils are almost tender.
5
While the lentils are cooking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cashew nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until lightly browned and fragrant. Set aside.
6
If cooking on low, increase the heat to high. Carefully remove and discard the cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods. Add the diced zucchini and chopped fresh cilantro to the slow cooker, stirring to combine.
7
Cover and continue to cook for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender.
8
Season the stew with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve it hot over a bed of cooked basmati rice, garnished with the toasted cashew nuts for added crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Aromatic Spicy Lentil Zucchini Stew with Roasted Cashews.
Is this lentil zucchini stew vegan?
Yes, according to the tags, this recipe is vegan.
Is this stew recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is classified as gluten-free.
What type of lentils should I use for this stew?
The recipe specifically calls for 1.5 cups of rinsed brown lentils.
How many zucchini are required for this recipe?
You will need 3 medium zucchini.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be rinsed, trimmed, and diced into half-inch pieces.
What is the best way to roast the cashew nuts?
Spread the cashew nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven.
How long do the cashews need to roast?
They should be toasted for 5 to 7 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant.
What is the required oven temperature for toasting the nuts?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Does this recipe include onions and garlic?
Yes, it uses 2 peeled and chopped onions and 3 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of oil is used to sauté the vegetables?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil.
How do I prepare the jalapeno for this stew?
Remove the seeds and ribs, then chop the jalapeno finely.
Which aromatic spices are used in this dish?
The spices include curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, cinnamon sticks, and cardamom pods.
How long does the stew cook in a slow cooker on the high setting?
It cooks for 1.5 to 2 hours until the lentils are almost tender, followed by another 30 to 45 minutes after adding zucchini.
How long does the stew cook in a slow cooker on the low setting?
It cooks for 3 to 5 hours initially, then an additional 30 to 45 minutes after the zucchini is added.
When should I remove the cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods?
Discard them after the initial slow cooking period, just before you add the diced zucchini.
At what stage do I add the zucchini to the stew?
Add the zucchini and fresh cilantro to the slow cooker after the lentils have become almost tender.
How long does the zucchini take to cook once added?
The zucchini should cook for an additional 30 to 45 minutes until tender.
What is the recommended way to serve this aromatic stew?
It is best served hot over a bed of cooked basmati rice.
What garnishes are recommended for this recipe?
Garnish the stew with toasted cashew nuts and chopped fresh cilantro.
How many tomatoes are used in the ingredients list?
The recipe calls for 2 medium tomatoes.
How should the tomatoes be prepared before cooking?
The tomatoes should be rinsed, cored, seeded, and chopped.
What type of stock is used for the liquid base of the stew?
The recipe uses two 14.5-ounce cans of vegetable stock.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 3 garlic cloves.
Is this recipe considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is described as a healthy yet indulgent meal and is tagged with a 'healthy' label.
Who inspired this stew recipe?
This stew is inspired by a recipe from Ellen Brown.
Can I adjust the seasoning at the end of cooking?
Yes, season the finished stew with salt and freshly ground pepper to your personal taste.
What should the onions look like after the initial sauté?
The onions should be cooked for about three minutes until they are translucent.
How much curry powder is needed?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of curry powder.
What kind of rice is specifically suggested for serving?
Fluffy basmati rice is specifically recommended to accompany this stew.