African-inspired Lentil Stew

Ingredients

In this African-inspired adaptation, we have incorporated traditional African spices and vegetables to give the dish a distinct flavor profile. The original Indian dish, Pappu charu, typically uses Indian spices and ingredients such as tamarind and curry leaves. However, in this African version, we have replaced these with African spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika, which lend a unique taste to the stew. Additionally, we have included African vegetables such as okra and sweet potatoes to enhance the dish's texture and add a touch of sweetness. We alse have the original recipe for Pappu charu, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) lentils 1 cup (200g) lentils
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup (150g) okra, sliced 1 cup (150g) okra, sliced
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Cooked rice or flatbread, for serving Cooked rice or flatbread, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 48g, 8g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute.
4. 4.
   Add the diced tomatoes, sweet potato, and sliced okra to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
5. 5.
   Add the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the African-inspired Lentil Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with cooked rice or flatbread for a complete meal.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Make sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris or impurities.
• Okra — If you prefer a less slimy texture, you can lightly sauté the okra in a separate pan before adding it to the stew.
• Sweet potato — Cut the sweet potato into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the stew using an immersion blender before serving.
• Serve the stew with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of acidity.
• Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice, such as bell peppers or spinach, to enhance the nutritional value.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and make a delicious next-day lunch.

Serving advice

Serve the African-inspired Lentil Stew hot, accompanied by a generous portion of cooked rice or warm flatbread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness and color.

Presentation advice

Present the African-inspired Lentil Stew in a deep bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for an appealing garnish.