Hearty North African Lentil Stew
Transport your taste buds to North Africa with this vibrant and nourishing lentil stew. Packed with earthy lentils and a medley of vegetables, this dish is rich in flavor and nutrients. The infusion of saffron and fresh herbs elevate it to a comforting warm bowl, perfect for a light supper or a satisfying meal any time of year. Serve it with a crusty baguette smeared with roasted garlic to bring out the rich flavors, and complement it with a refreshing tossed salad featuring wild baby greens and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Don’t hesitate to make a double batch; it freezes beautifully for quick meals on busy days!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
lentils
1 cup (rinsed)
extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons
onions
2 medium (chopped)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
crushed saffron thread
1/2 teaspoon
carrots
2 medium (sliced)
celery rib
1 (thinly sliced)
turnip
1 small (peeled and diced)
diced tomatoes with juice
1 cup
fat-free vegetable broth
8 cups ((beef broth optional))
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
salt and pepper
to taste
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Rinse the lentils several times in cold water, then drain and set aside.
2
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, cooking gently to avoid scorching.
3
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the chopped onions along with the crushed saffron threads. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are tender, about 5 minutes. If the onions begin to stick, add a few drops of water.
4
Incorporate the sliced carrots, thinly sliced celery, and diced turnip into the pan. Allow the mixture to cook on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, and chopped parsley. Stir well to combine.
6
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
7
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the stew simmer for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the broth has thickened slightly.
8
Before serving, stir in the fresh lemon juice to enhance the dish's flavor.
9
Serve hot with a side of crusty baguette and salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty North African Lentil Stew?
It is a vibrant and nourishing dish packed with earthy lentils and a medley of vegetables, flavored with saffron and fresh herbs.
Is this lentil stew recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients.
How long does it take to cook the stew?
The stew needs to simmer for approximately 1.5 hours until the lentils are tender and the broth has thickened.
Can I freeze this stew for later?
Yes, this recipe freezes beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep and busy days.
What should I serve with North African Lentil Stew?
It is best served with a crusty baguette smeared with roasted garlic and a refreshing salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
What kind of broth can I use?
The recipe calls for fat-free vegetable broth, but you can use beef broth as an optional substitute if desired.
What vegetables are included in this stew?
The stew includes onions, garlic, carrots, celery, turnip, and diced tomatoes.
How do I prepare the lentils before cooking?
Rinse the lentils several times in cold water and drain them before adding them to the saucepan.
What is the role of saffron in this recipe?
Saffron threads are used to infuse the stew with a unique aromatic flavor and a rich, golden hue.
How do I prevent the onions from sticking while cooking?
If the onions begin to stick to the pan while cooking with the saffron, simply add a few drops of water.
When should I add the lemon juice?
The fresh lemon juice should be stirred in just before serving to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
What type of salad pairs well with this stew?
A tossed salad featuring wild baby greens and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette is recommended.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil for sautéing the garlic and onions.
Do I need to peel the turnip?
Yes, the small turnip should be peeled and diced before being added to the stew.
Can I use beef broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, beef broth is listed as an optional substitution for the vegetable broth.
What amount of lentils is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of rinsed lentils.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
You will need 2 cloves of garlic, minced, for this recipe.
Is the parsley added at the beginning or end?
The chopped fresh parsley is added along with the lentils and broth before the simmering process begins.
What is the recommended heat setting for simmering?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan to simmer.
How do I avoid scorching the garlic?
Cook the minced garlic gently over medium heat and watch it closely to ensure it only becomes fragrant without burning.
Can I add salt and pepper to the stew?
Yes, you should season the stew with salt and pepper to taste before bringing it to a boil.
How much liquid total is used in the stew?
The recipe uses 8 cups of broth plus 1 cup of diced tomatoes with their juice.
How thin should I slice the celery?
The celery rib should be thinly sliced so it cooks evenly with the other vegetables.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of diced tomatoes, including their juice.
How long do the carrots and celery cook before adding broth?
The carrots, celery, and turnip should cook on low heat for about 10 minutes before adding the liquids.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal, though it pairs well with sides like bread and salad.
Does this recipe include sugar or cholesterol?
Based on the provided data, the sugar and cholesterol content are not specified but are likely very low given the ingredients.
What is the primary protein source in this dish?
Lentils are the primary source of protein in this vegetarian stew.
How often should I stir the stew while it simmers?
You should stir the stew occasionally during the 1.5-hour simmer to ensure even cooking.
Is this stew considered a comfort food?
Yes, its warm, rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a classic comfort food.