Hearty Quinoa, Carrot, and Lentil Delight
This nutritious stew is a perfect blend of quinoa, red lentils, and fresh vegetables that creates a hearty meal that even meat lovers will enjoy. Inspired by the timeless recipes of Patricia Green and Carolyn Hemming in their renowned book, 'Quinoa 365,' this dish showcases the versatility of lentils—one of the first domesticated crops known for their high protein content. Not only does this stew warm you up on chilly days, but it also provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. For those looking for a lighter option, simply cook the quinoa separately and add it to the broth to transform this stew into a satisfying soup. Experience the delightful balance of flavors with each spoonful, enriched by spices like cumin and coriander, and topped with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
1/2 cup (rinsed)
red lentils
1/2 cup (rinsed)
vegetable stock
4 cups (or chicken stock)
water
1 cup
carrots
1 1/2 cups (sliced)
red onion
1 cup (diced)
fresh garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon
ground coriander
1 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
red bell pepper
1 cup (diced)
fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine the quinoa, red lentils, vegetable or chicken stock, and water. Bring to a rolling boil.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10 minutes.
3
After 10 minutes, carefully add the sliced carrots, diced red onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, and salt into the pot. Stir gently to combine.
4
Cover the pot again and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5
Next, add the diced red bell pepper and cook for a further 5 minutes, uncovered, so the vegetables remain crisp.
6
Finally, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and taste for seasoning adjustments. If desired, add more salt or spices to suit your taste.
7
Serve the stew hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Quinoa, Carrot, and Lentil Delight?
It is a nutritious stew that blends quinoa, red lentils, and fresh vegetables for a hearty and healthy meal.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetable stock.
Is the Hearty Quinoa, Carrot, and Lentil Delight gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What are the primary protein sources in this stew?
The main protein sources are quinoa and red lentils.
Can I use chicken stock instead of vegetable stock?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable stock with chicken stock if preferred.
Do I need to rinse the quinoa and lentils?
Yes, both the quinoa and red lentils should be rinsed before cooking.
How long do the quinoa and lentils simmer initially?
They should simmer together for 10 minutes after reaching a boil.
When should I add the carrots and onions?
Add the sliced carrots and diced red onion after the initial 10-minute simmer.
What spices are used in this recipe?
The stew is flavored with ground cumin, ground coriander, and salt.
How can I turn this stew into a soup?
To make it a soup, cook the quinoa separately and add it to the broth later.
Why is the red bell pepper added later than other vegetables?
The red bell pepper is added during the last 5 minutes of cooking to ensure it remains crisp.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Patricia Green and Carolyn Hemming from their book 'Quinoa 365'.
How much vegetable stock is required?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of vegetable or chicken stock.
How much water is added to the stock?
One cup of water is added along with the stock.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Yes, you can adjust the salt or spices at the end of the cooking process to suit your taste.
What type of lentils are used in this dish?
This recipe specifically uses red lentils.
What is the recommended garnish for this stew?
The stew is best served garnished with fresh, chopped cilantro.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of minced fresh garlic.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein.
How do I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be sliced before being added to the pot.
What is the preparation for the red onion?
The red onion should be diced into small pieces.
Should the pot be covered during the whole process?
The pot should be covered during the initial simmers but uncovered when adding the bell peppers to maintain vegetable texture.
How long does the final simmering stage take?
The final stage takes about 5 minutes after adding the red bell peppers.
Is this dish suitable for meat lovers?
Yes, its hearty texture makes it an enjoyable meal even for those who typically eat meat.
What is the measurement for the quinoa?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of rinsed quinoa.
How much cilantro is stirred in at the end?
Stir in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh cilantro.
Can I use white onion instead of red onion?
While the recipe calls for red onion for flavor and color, white or yellow onion can be used as a substitute.
Is this a good meal for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a comfort food that is perfect for warming up on chilly days.
How should the stew be served?
It should be served hot, ideally in bowls and topped with fresh cilantro.