Spice-Scented Slow-Cooked Lentil Stew with Preserved Lemon
This spice-scented lentil stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cold winter night. The lentils are cooked low and slow in a flavorful broth made with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red pepper flakes. The addition of preserved lemon adds a bright and tangy flavor that really takes this stew to the next level. Serve over rice or with a side of crusty bread.
I first had this stew at a restaurant in Morocco, and I was immediately hooked. The flavors were so complex and delicious, and the lentils were so tender and creamy. I knew I had to recreate this dish at home, so I started experimenting with different spices and ingredients. After a few tries, I finally came up with a recipe that I'm really happy with. This stew is now a staple in my household, and I love serving it to friends and family.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 480 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 cup dried brown lentils
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 preserved lemon, finely chopped
Instructions
Rinse the lentils and add them to a slow cooker.
Add the onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red pepper flakes, and preserved lemon to the slow cooker.
Cover with 4 cups of water or vegetable broth.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the lentils are tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve over rice or with a side of crusty bread.
Why It Works
The combination of spices in this stew is what really makes it special. The cumin and coriander provide a warm and earthy flavor, while the turmeric and red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. The preserved lemon adds a bright and tangy flavor that really balances out the spices.
Cooking the lentils low and slow allows them to absorb all of the flavors of the broth. This results in a stew that is both flavorful and tender.
Serving the stew over rice or with a side of crusty bread is a great way to soak up all of the delicious broth.