New American Spiced Lentil Stew

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Ethiopian Wat is transformed into a New American Spiced Lentil Stew by incorporating American ingredients and flavors. The original dish typically uses berbere spice blend, which is replaced with a combination of cumin, paprika, and coriander to create a more familiar taste profile. The addition of vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers adds a fresh and vibrant element to the stew, enhancing its nutritional value and texture. We alse have the original recipe for Wat, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) red lentils 2 cups (400g) red lentils
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon coriander 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 6g
• Protein: 17g
• Fiber: 15g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced carrot, celery, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
4. 4.
   Add the cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed red lentils. Stir to combine.
6. 6.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the stew has thickened.
7. 7.
   Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
8. 8.
   Serve the New American Spiced Lentil Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris or impurities.
• Cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their flavor.
• Paprika — Use smoked paprika for an added depth of flavor.
• Coriander — Toast the coriander seeds before grinding to release their aroma.
• Lemon — Squeeze the lemon just before serving to retain its freshness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread or warm tortillas.
• Customize the vegetables by adding your favorites, such as zucchini or spinach.
• Make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and satisfying meal later.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.

Serving advice

Serve the New American Spiced Lentil Stew in individual bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with a side of warm bread or tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top of the stew and sprinkle some additional paprika or cumin for a pop of color. Serve it in rustic ceramic bowls for a cozy and inviting look.