Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 4-6
Warm up with a bowl of Spicy Harissa Lentil Stew, a hearty, plant-based dish inspired by North African flavors. This comforting stew is packed with protein-rich lentils, simmered with aromatic spices, vegetables, and a bold kick of harissa paste. It’s the perfect blend of smoky heat and earthy richness, offering a satisfying, sustainable meal that’s both nutritious and flavorful. 🌱
Ingredients
🔥 For the Stew:
☑ 1 cup red or green lentils, rinsed 🥣
☑ 1 onion, finely chopped 🧅
☑ 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
☑ 2 carrots, diced 🥕
☑ 1 red bell pepper, chopped 🌶️
☑ 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes 🍅
☑ 4 cups vegetable broth 🥣
☑ 2 tablespoons🥄 harissa paste 🌶️
☑ 1 teaspoon🥄 ground cumin 🌿
☑ 1 teaspoon🥄 smoked paprika 🌶️
☑ ½ teaspoon🥄 ground coriander 🌿
☑ Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂
☑ 2 tablespoons🥄 olive oil
🔥 For Garnish:
☑ Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped 🌿
☑ Lemon wedges 🍋
☑ Dollop of coconut yogurt (optional for creaminess) 🥥
👨🍳 Cooking Steps
🥣 Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
1️⃣ In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add onion, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
🌿 Step 2: Build the Flavor
1️⃣ Stir in harissa paste, cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the spices’ aroma.
🥣 Step 3: Simmer the Stew
1️⃣ Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
2️⃣ Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3️⃣ Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender and the stew has thickened.
🍋 Step 4: Serve & Garnish
1️⃣ Ladle the stew into bowls.
2️⃣ Garnish with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a dollop of coconut yogurt if desired.
3️⃣ Serve with crusty bread or flatbread for a complete meal.
Bold, hearty, and bursting with flavor—Spicy Harissa Lentil Stew is comfort food with a kick! Who’s ready to cozy up with this plant-based powerhouse? 🌶️🥣
