Lemony Moroccan Lentil & Chickpea Stew
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Lemony Moroccan Lentil & Chickpea Stew. This hearty, nutritious soup is loaded with protein-rich lentils and chickpeas, combined with aromatic spices like cinnamon and turmeric. It's not just affordable and easy to prepare; it's also the perfect dish to warm your soul. Traditionally enjoyed during Ramadan, this vegetarian stew brims with zest from fresh herbs and a delightful tartness from lemon juice, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal for any occasion. Perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings, this stew promises to be a new family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
onions
2 (chopped)
celery rib
1 (chopped)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (none)
hot pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon (none)
saffron
1 pinch (crumbled)
diced tomatoes
28 ounces (pureed)
brown lentils
1 cup (none)
chickpeas
19 ounces (drained)
vegetable broth
4 cups (none)
vermicelli
1/4 cup (broken)
flour
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped)
lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemony Moroccan Lentil & Chickpea Stew?
It is a hearty and nutritious Mediterranean soup featuring protein-rich lentils, chickpeas, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and turmeric.
Is this Moroccan stew vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is specifically noted as a vegetarian stew, using vegetable broth and legumes for protein.
What are the main protein sources in this recipe?
The primary protein sources are brown lentils and chickpeas.
What spices give this stew its Moroccan flavor?
The flavor profile is created using a blend of ground cinnamon, turmeric, ground ginger, saffron, and hot pepper sauce.
Does this stew contain saffron?
Yes, the recipe calls for a pinch of crumbled saffron to add a traditional aromatic touch.
How should the tomatoes be prepared for this stew?
You should use 28 ounces of diced tomatoes that have been pureed.
What type of lentils are best for this stew?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of brown lentils.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice to provide its signature tartness.
Which fresh herbs are used in this recipe?
The stew uses 1/2 cup each of chopped fresh parsley and fresh cilantro.
Is this Moroccan stew spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/4 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce, but it is primarily described as aromatic and zestful.
What is the role of flour in this recipe?
Two tablespoons of flour are included, typically used as a thickening agent for the stew.
Does the recipe include pasta?
Yes, it includes 1/4 cup of broken vermicelli noodles.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and nutritious, being high in fiber and protein from the legumes.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, the stew is described as an affordable dish that uses common pantry staples like lentils and chickpeas.
When is this dish traditionally eaten?
This type of stew is traditionally enjoyed during Ramadan.
What type of fat is used to cook the vegetables?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
What kind of broth should I use?
The recipe recommends using 4 cups of vegetable broth.
How many total ingredients are in this stew?
There are 19 individual ingredients in this recipe.
How should the onions and celery be prepared?
Both the 2 onions and the single celery rib should be chopped before starting.
Is the preparation for this stew difficult?
The description notes that this stew is easy to prepare.
Is there ginger in this Moroccan stew?
Yes, it contains 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
How is the saffron prepared?
The pinch of saffron should be crumbled before being added to the pot.
Should the chickpeas be drained?
Yes, the 19 ounces of chickpeas should be drained before adding them to the stew.
What is the overall flavor profile of this dish?
It is a vibrant, aromatic, and zestful stew with a delightful tartness from lemon juice.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and ground pepper, but notes they should be adjusted to taste.
Is this dish suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as the perfect dish to warm your soul and ideal for cozy evenings.
How much turmeric is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric.
Is this a hearty meal?
Yes, the combination of lentils, chickpeas, and vermicelli makes it a satisfying and wholesome meal.
What is the preparation for the vermicelli?
The vermicelli should be broken into smaller pieces before being added.
Is the lemon juice added at the end?
While instructions are brief, lemon juice is usually added toward the end to maintain its fresh, tart flavor.