Slow-Cooked Lentil and Vegetable Medley with Ras el Hanout
This slow-cooker lentil and vegetable medley is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cold winter night. The lentils provide a good source of protein and fiber, while the vegetables add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The ras el hanout spice blend adds a warm and exotic flavor to the dish.
Lentils have been a staple food in many cultures for centuries. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and iron, and they are also relatively inexpensive. Lentils can be cooked in a variety of ways, but one of the easiest and most flavorful ways to cook them is in a slow cooker. This recipe for slow-cooker lentil and vegetable medley is inspired by the traditional Moroccan dish harira. Harira is a thick, hearty soup that is typically made with lentils, vegetables, and meat. This recipe is a vegetarian version of harira that is just as flavorful and satisfying. The first step in making this recipe is to rinse the lentils and pick over them to remove any stones or debris. Then, combine the lentils, onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, tomatoes, vegetable broth, and ras el hanout spice blend in a large pot or slow cooker. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the lentils are tender. Once the lentils are tender, serve them hot with your favorite toppings, such as yogurt, feta cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Slow-Cooked Lentil and Vegetable Medley with Ras el Hanout Slow-Cooked Lentil and Vegetable Medley with Ras el Hanout Slow-Cooked Lentil and Vegetable Medley with Ras el Hanout Slow-Cooked Lentil and Vegetable Medley with Ras el Hanout
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 60 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup dried lentils
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ras el hanout
Instructions
  1. Rinse the lentils and pick over them to remove any stones or debris.
  2. In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the lentils, onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, tomatoes, vegetable broth, and ras el hanout.
  3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the lentils are tender.
  4. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as yogurt, feta cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Why It Works
  • The slow cooker allows the flavors of the lentils and vegetables to meld together, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.
  • The ras el hanout spice blend adds a warm and exotic flavor to the dish.
  • This recipe is a vegetarian version of harira, a traditional Moroccan dish that is typically made with lentils, vegetables, and meat.
  • This recipe is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences.