Red Lentil Stew
Red Lentil Stew, a vegan and high-protein comfort food to help boost up your energy levels, daily productivity, and nutritional goals, whether you are having it for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
600g split red lentils
60ml, 4 tbsp olive oil
125g onions, any colour
8g, 4 -5 cloves garlic
1 tbsp cinnamon powder
1 tbsp + 1 tsp coarse sea salt
1 tbsp paprika powder
1/2 tbsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tbsp black pepper powder
6g, halved haberano pepper
53g, 3 tbsps sesame paste
1200ml water
250g freshly chopped parsley
55ml of fresh lemon or lime juice
Directions:
Wash the red lentils a few times until the water runs clear. Then fill the bowl with fresh water and allow the lentils to soak in it for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Feel free to soak for longer or overnight if preferred.
Peel and chop the onions and garlic and set aside.
Stack the parsley stems in bits at a time and chop off the tougher parts of stems, then roughly chop up the parsley leaves including the softer stems. Then set aside in a bowl.
In a large pot on high heat, drizzle in olive oil and add in the onions and garlic. Stir and sauté for about 5 minutes.
Add in the cinnamon powder, coarse sea salt, paprika powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper powder and consistently stir to prevent burning. Sauté for up 4 - 7 minutes until the combination turns darker and smoky. KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON THIS STEP TO PREVENT BURNING.
Next, add in the sesame paste, then the halved haberano pepper. Feel free to add more haberano pepper if preferred to increase the spicy note.
Drain the red lentils and add into the pot. Stir and allow the lentils to toast for 2 -3 minutes.
Add in water, stir well and cover the pot. Bring to a rolling boil and cook for 10 - 12 minutes or until the lentils are soft.
Turn down heat to medium and add in the chopped parsley and stir in well. Continue boiling for 5 to 7 until the parsley has wilted.
Cut the lemons, extract 55ml of juice and add to the cooking pot. Stir well and taste to adjust any seasonings.
Turn off and serve hot as is or with plantain flatbread, boiled cassava, or your favorite steamed grain like rice or millet, with a fresh squeeze of lime and garnish with parsley. Eat and be merry.
Notes:
Watch my Red Lentil Flatbread Recipe video and get my Red Lentil Soup Recipe from my cookbook.
