Spiced Lentils with Carrots

These warm, sweet, and savory spiced lentils are ideal for leftovers and create a perfect cozy vegetarian meal prep.

The comforting blend of cumin, garlic, and ginger creates a harmonious symphony of flavors that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also warms the soul. Cumin, with its earthy and nutty profile, adds depth to the dish, while garlic brings a robust and aromatic quality that enhances the overall experience. The ginger contributes a gentle sweetness and a hint of spice, perfectly balancing the dish with its bright, zesty notes. This delightful combination is further enriched by the subtle sweetness of cinnamon and the natural sugars found in carrots, which provide a beautiful contrast to the savory elements. The result is a complex flavor profile that is truly extraordinary and inviting to all who partake in it.

To elevate this dish to new heights, consider serving these savory spiced lentils over a starchy base such as creamy polenta, fluffy rice, or velvety mashed sweet potatoes. Each of these bases not only complements the lentils but also serves to absorb the rich and aromatic sauce, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

Polenta, with its smooth texture and mild taste, creates a perfect canvas that allows the spices to shine, while rice offers a light and airy counterpart that balances the dish. Mashed sweet potatoes, with their natural sweetness and creamy consistency, provide a delightful contrast that enhances the overall dining experience. As you indulge in this culinary creation, you'll find yourself transported to a realm of lentil paradise, where the flavors meld beautifully and create a satisfying and nourishing meal.

The combination of spices not only tantalizes the palate but also provides various health benefits, making this dish not only a feast for the senses but also a wholesome choice for those seeking comfort food that nourishes the body and soul. Whether enjoyed as a hearty lunch or a cozy dinner, these spiced lentils are sure to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire, inviting you to savor the extraordinary flavors time and time again.

Ingredients

•  yellow onion

• 4 cloves garlic

• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger

• 4 carrots (about 2 cups chopped)

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp allspice

• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper

• 1 cup brown lentils*

• 3 Tbsp tomato paste

• 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots or raisins (I normally use raisins)

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• 1 Tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

  
  

Directions

1. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and peel and dice the carrots.

2. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and olive oil to a deep skillet. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent (about five minutes).

3. Add the diced carrots, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, and crushed red pepper to the skillet. Continue to sauté for about two minutes more.

4. Next, add the uncooked lentils, tomato paste, raisins or chopped apricots, and broth to the skillet. Stir until the tomato paste has dissolved into the broth. Place a lid on the skillet and turn the heat up to high.

5. Allow the broth to come to a full boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let the lentils simmer in the broth with the lid on for 30 minutes, stirring only occasionally.

6. After 30 minutes the lentils and carrots should be very tender. Give the lentils a taste and add salt or pepper if needed (this will depend on the salt content of your broth).

7. Serve the spiced lentils with crusty bread for dipping, or over a bed of polenta or mashed potatoes. Top with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Note

*This recipe is intended for brown or green lentils (excluding French green lentils, as they require significantly more time to cook). These lentils cook in approximately 20-30 minutes of simmering, do not need soaking, and maintain their shape when softened.

Serving suggestions

You can enjoy these lentils in a bowl on their own with some crusty bread or naan for dipping, or serve them over nearly any type of starch. I paired mine with a cornmeal mush (similar to polenta or grits), but they would also be great over rice, mashed white potatoes or sweet potatoes, farro, or any other grain you prefer.

How to Store and Reheat

To store leftovers, let the lentils cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in be

The original recipe is from Budget Bytes