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Sweet & Spicy Lentil Stew

Sweet & Spicy Lentil Stew (Sue recipe image
This comforting Sweet & Spicy Lentil Stew is a perfect weeknight dinner that delivers deep, satisfying flavors without requiring hours of prep. The dish features red lentils that break down into a creamy texture, paired with tender chunks of potato and a robust tomato base. A blend of cumin, paprika, and a hint of cayenne provides a gentle warmth, while a touch of honey and vinegar balances the savory spices with subtle sweetness and acidity. It&# 226;€™s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it an inclusive meal for the whole family. Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy basmati rice for a complete, home-style experience that feels both rustic and refined.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Calories: 991.2
Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Sweet & Spicy Lentil Stew is a perfect weeknight dinner that delivers deep, satisfying flavors without requiring hours of prep. The dish features red lentils that break down into a creamy texture, paired with tender chunks of potato and a robust tomato base. A blend of cumin, paprika, and a hint of cayenne provides a gentle warmth, while a touch of honey and vinegar balances the savory spices with subtle sweetness and acidity. It is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it an inclusive meal for the whole family. Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy basmati rice for a complete, home-style experience that feels both rustic and refined.
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cup Basmati rice
  • 1 cup Red lentils
  • 1 1/2 cup Potatoes, cut up small
  • 2 cloves Garlic, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 large Onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp Sweet Hungarian paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Curry powder
  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Chili powder
  • 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Tamari
  • 1 tbsp Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Honey
  • 2 cups Tomatoes, chopped
  • 6 oz Tomato paste (1 can)
  • 1 cup Vegetable stock
  • 1 cup Green peas, fresh or frozen
  • to taste Salt & pepper
Directions
  1. 1
    Rinse the red lentils and potatoes; place them in a pot of plenty of water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, then drain and set aside.
  2. 2
    Start cooking the basmati rice according to package instructions.
  3. 3
    Heat olive oil in a heavy, non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and toss until coated with oil.
  4. 4
    Sauté the garlic carefully, watching closely until it is just toasted and fragrant.
  5. 5
    Add the chopped onion to the toasted garlic and sauté in a little stock or water until the onions are translucent.
  6. 6
    Stir in the cumin, paprika, curry powder, cayenne, and chili powder, cooking for 1 minute to release their aromas.
  7. 7
    Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable stock, Worcestershire sauce, tamari, vinegar, and honey. Stir to combine.
  8. 8
    Return the cooked lentils and potatoes to the pan. Simmer gently for 5-10 minutes until the stew thickens and flavors meld.
  9. 9
    Stir in the green peas and heat through for another 2 minutes.
  10. 10
    Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over the cooked basmati rice.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 991.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3.1g5%
Saturated Fat 0.6g3%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 30.0mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 202.8g68%
Dietary Fiber 28.7g115%
Sugars 7.2g
Protein 38.2g77%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Spice Level: The spices in this recipe are on the mild side. Adjust the cayenne and chili powder to your preferred heat level.

Cooking Lentils: Use plenty of water when boiling the lentils and potatoes to ensure they cook evenly and don't stick together.

Toasting Garlic: Toasting the garlic in oil gives a wonderful nutty flavor and aroma to the dish. Keep a close watch as it can burn quickly.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The stew may thicken upon standing; add a splash of water or stock to loosen before reheating.

Keywords: lentil stew, red lentils, spicy lentils, vegan stew, vegetarian dinner, tomato stew, potato stew, cumin, paprika, comfort food, weeknight meal, healthy stew, basmati rice, homemade stew, plant-based, warming spices, easy dinner, family meal, hearty stew
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/sweet-spicy-lentil-stew-sue/