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To make Cozy Moroccan Lentil Stew, you need: - 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed - 1 onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, diced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon Moroccan spice mix (cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika) - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped When serving, consider these garnishes: - Fresh cilantro or parsley - Lemon wedges These add a pop of color and flavor to your dish. I recommend serving this stew with: - Crusty bread - Cooked rice These sides soak up the flavors and make the meal more filling. Enjoying this stew warms the heart and satisfies the belly! Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed - 1 onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, diced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon Moroccan spice mix (cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika) - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish - Lemon wedges for serving Make sure your vegetables are washed and diced. Rinsing the lentils is key to removing any dust. This step makes your stew clean and fresh. In a large pot, pour in the olive oil. Heat it on medium. Once hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until it looks clear. This adds a great base flavor. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute until you smell it. Now, stir in your diced carrots, bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté these for 5-7 minutes. You want them to soften, but not mushy. Now, add the rinsed lentils into the pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the Moroccan spice mix and ground ginger. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring this mix to a boil. Then, lower the heat to let it simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 30-35 minutes. Stir it now and then. If it seems dry, add more broth or water. Once the lentils are soft, it's time for the greens. Stir in the chopped spinach or kale. Cook this for another 5 minutes until it wilts down. Taste your stew. Adjust seasoning if needed. For serving, ladle the stew into deep bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Don't forget the lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick. Enjoy it with crusty bread or over rice! To make your stew even tastier, use fresh herbs. Fresh cilantro or parsley adds bright notes. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens all the flavors. You can also try adding a spoonful of harissa for a spicy twist. For a deeper flavor, roast the vegetables first. This brings out their natural sweetness. Rinse your lentils well before cooking. This removes dust and helps them cook evenly. Use a mix of broth and water for more flavor. Keep an eye on the simmering time. Overcooked lentils turn mushy. They should be tender but still hold their shape. Stir the pot occasionally. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. You can also reduce the spices if you prefer milder flavors. Start with half the spice mix, then add more if needed. Always remember, you can add more but can’t take it out! {{image_2}} You can change the veggies in this stew. Try adding sweet potatoes, peas, or green beans. These choices add color and taste. You can also use butternut squash for a sweet twist. Don't be afraid to mix and match your favorites. Each veggie brings its own flavor to the mix. If you want more protein, consider adding chickpeas or cooked quinoa. Both options work well with lentils. You can also add shredded chicken if you prefer meat. Just stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking. This way, it warms up without overcooking. This stew is already vegan and gluten-free! To keep it that way, ensure your broth is plant-based. You can use any vegetable broth you like. If you want to thicken the stew, blend a portion of it until smooth. This gives it a creamy texture without dairy. Enjoy your cozy meal without worry! To store your leftover stew, let it cool. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal the lid tightly. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, try to eat it sooner. When you are ready to enjoy your stew again, you can reheat it. Pour the stew into a pot over medium heat. Stir it often and heat until it's hot throughout. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a bowl and heat for about two minutes. Stir and check if it is warm enough. If you want to keep your stew longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the stew cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Flatten the bags to save space in your freezer. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can use chickpeas or black beans in place of lentils. Both options add great protein. If you need a faster option, use canned beans. Just rinse them well before adding to your stew. Remember, the cooking time may change with different beans. Yes, adding meat is easy! Chicken or beef works well. Brown the meat in the pot first, then follow the recipe as usual. This will give your stew extra flavor and heartiness. You can also add sausage for a spicy kick. This stew lasts about 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. Always reheat it until it’s hot all the way through. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It will stay good for about 3 months in the freezer. This blog post covered lentil stew's main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to improve flavor. You can use various vegetables, proteins, or even make it vegan and gluten-free. Don't worry about leftovers; I shared how to store, reheat, and freeze them correctly. In the end, lentil stew is both simple and versatile. Enjoy creating your unique version!

Cozy Moroccan Lentil Stew

Warm up your evenings with this delicious Cozy Moroccan Lentil Stew that's both hearty and nutritious! Packed with vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices, this easy recipe comes together in just about 50 minutes. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or meal prep, this stew is sure to satisfy. Dive into the rich flavors and experience the magic of Moroccan cuisine. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring warmth to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, diced

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

1 zucchini, diced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

4 cups vegetable broth

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Moroccan spice mix (cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika)

1 teaspoon ground ginger

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 cup spinach or kale, chopped

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.

    Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Stir in the diced carrots, bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.

        Add the rinsed lentils to the pot along with the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, Moroccan spice mix, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper.

          Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if needed.

            Once the lentils are cooked, stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted.

              Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the stew in deep bowls garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley, alongside lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy it with crusty bread or over cooked rice for a heartier meal!