Heartwarming Lentil and Apricot Stew
Experience the delightful fusion of flavors in this Heartwarming Lentil and Apricot Stew, a heart-healthy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Adapted from the cherished recipe shared in the alt.food.vegan community, this stew combines the earthy richness of red lentils with the sweet tang of apricots, creating a comforting meal that warms the soul. Thanks to the magic of the crock pot, you can simply toss all the ingredients together in the morning and come home to a nourishing dinner that requires just a quick stir before serving. Topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon, this stew pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty bread, making it an ideal dish for sharing with loved ones.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red lentils
1 cup (Rinsed and drained)
Onion
1 (Diced)
Oil
1 teaspoon (Optional, for sautéing (if desired))
Garlic clove
1 (Finely diced)
Water or stock
4 1/3 cups (As is)
Fresh ginger
2 slices (Thinly sliced)
Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (As is)
Cumin seeds
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Coriander seeds
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Chili powder or flakes
1 pinch (To taste)
Dried apricot
1/4 cup (Chopped into small pieces)
Lemon juice or lemon salt
To taste (As is)
Salt and pepper
To taste (As is)
Chopped cilantro
To taste (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Rinse and drain the red lentils thoroughly to remove any debris or dust.
2
Prepare the onion, garlic, ginger, and dried apricots by dicing or slicing them as indicated.
3
In the crock pot, add the drained lentils, chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced ginger, water or stock, and spices including turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder.
4
Stir the ingredients to combine well, ensuring the lentils are submerged in the liquid.
5
Cover the crock pot and set it to the AUTO setting, which will cook on high for the first hour and then switch to low for the remaining time.
6
Once cooking is complete, give the stew a good stir, adding lemon juice or salt to taste.
7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, and enjoy along with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heartwarming Lentil and Apricot Stew?
It is a heart-healthy vegan stew that combines red lentils with dried apricots for a sweet and earthy flavor profile, originally adapted from the alt.food.vegan community.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan and contains no animal products.
Is the Heartwarming Lentil and Apricot Stew gluten-free?
Yes, this stew is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I cook this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for a crock pot or slow cooker.
What type of lentils should I use?
The recipe calls for one cup of red lentils, which are known for softening quickly and creating a thick, creamy stew.
Do I need to rinse the lentils before cooking?
Yes, you should rinse and drain the red lentils thoroughly to remove any debris or dust before adding them to the crock pot.
What are the primary spices used in this stew?
The stew is seasoned with turmeric, ground cumin seeds, ground coriander seeds, and chili powder or flakes.
What does the 'AUTO' setting on a crock pot do for this recipe?
The AUTO setting typically cooks on high for the first hour and then automatically switches to low for the remainder of the cooking time.
How should I prepare the dried apricots?
The dried apricots should be chopped into small pieces before being added to the stew.
Is oil required for this recipe?
One teaspoon of oil is optional and can be used for sautéing the onions and garlic if you prefer a deeper flavor.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of water?
Yes, you can use either 4 1/3 cups of water or vegetable stock depending on your preference.
How do I prepare the fresh ginger?
The recipe recommends using two thin slices of fresh ginger.
When should I add the lemon juice?
Add the lemon juice or lemon salt to taste once the cooking process is complete and you are giving the stew its final stir.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
The stew is best garnished with fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon.
What should I serve with the Lentil and Apricot Stew?
It pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty bread.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this stew?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of chili powder or flakes to suit your heat preference.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total, including spices and garnishes.
Can this stew be prepared for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for busy weeknights as you can toss all ingredients in the crock pot in the morning.
Is this stew considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its warming spices and hearty texture.
What size should the onion be chopped?
The recipe calls for one onion to be diced.
How much turmeric is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric.
Are the cumin and coriander seeds used whole or ground?
The recipe specifies using one teaspoon each of ground cumin and ground coriander seeds.
What should I do if the lentils aren't submerged in liquid?
Ensure you stir the ingredients well in the crock pot so that all lentils are fully submerged before starting the cook cycle.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
As a vegan dish made with plant-based ingredients, it naturally contains no cholesterol.
Is this stew good for heart health?
Yes, the description highlights this as a heart-healthy dish due to the use of lentils and fiber-rich ingredients.
How do I dice the garlic?
One garlic clove should be finely diced before being added to the crock pot.
Can I use lemon salt instead of fresh lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe suggests either lemon juice or lemon salt can be used to achieve the desired tanginess.
How much dried apricot is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped dried apricots.
Is this a soup or a stew?
While categorized as a stew due to its thickness, it is also tagged as a soup and can be enjoyed as either.
How long does the cooking take on the 'low' setting?
When using the AUTO setting, the crock pot switches to low after the first hour and cooks until the lentils are tender, typically taking several hours.