Imagine a warm, aromatic stew that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of India, packed with nutrition, flavor, and soul-warming goodness. This Mjeddrah isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey that combines hearty lentils, colorful vegetables, and exotic spices into one incredible dish that will revolutionize your home cooking. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Drain well and set aside.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate the diced carrots and zucchini into the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes to begin softening the vegetables.
- Sprinkle cumin and coriander over the vegetables, stirring to evenly distribute the spices and toast them lightly to enhance their flavor profile.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and add the rinsed lentils. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed during the cooking process.
- Once the lentils are fully cooked and the stew has reached a thick, hearty consistency, remove from heat.
- Let the stew rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot in individual bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro leaves for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
- Optionally, serve with warm flatbread or rice to make the meal more substantial.
Tips
- Always rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any impurities and prevent a gritty texture.
- Toast your spices briefly before adding liquid to intensify their flavor profile.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content of your stew.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving.
- Don't rush the simmering process - slow cooking allows flavors to develop and lentils to become perfectly tender.
- If the stew becomes too thick, add a little hot water or extra broth to achieve your desired consistency.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro are crucial - they add brightness and freshness to the final dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
