Moroccan red lentil stew
Pour the brown rice into a cast iron pot, add a head of red onion, salt and water. Cover and steam in an oven preheated to 180 degrees for 50 minutes.
- Crumble the tofu onto a baking sheet, drizzle with oil and soy sauce. Mix well and roast in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes on the grill setting.
- For the vegetable stock, sauté the roughly chopped red onion, garlic and diced capsicum in oil. Add the tomato puree and carefully scrape it off, then add the spices, red lentils, water and coconut cream. Mix and cook over low heat, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes until done.
- When it's ready, add the herbs, simmer it, add the juice of a lemon, and it's worth tasting it at this point, because if you need to season it, you can do so.
- Serve the finished vegetable mixture with brown rice, tofu crumbs, and chopped coriander.
Preparation
35 minutes
Baking
1 hour 5 minutes
Vegan
Moroccan red lentil stew is the kind of dish that will transport you to North Africa with a spoon – while in reality it’s an everyday dish. Red lentils are a naturally versatile ingredient: they cook quickly, don’t need to be soaked, and have a naturally creamy texture, making them perfect for stews. The Moroccan twist comes in the seasonings: cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a little ginger. Together, these create a warm, deep, slightly sweet-spicy flavor.
Preparation
Red lentils are one of the most practical ingredients in the kitchen – and not just because they cook quickly.
First of all, they're packed with plant-based protein, so they'll keep you full even on meatless days. They're also high in fiber, which is good for digestion and helps keep blood sugar levels more even. They're not as taxing on the stomach as some other legumes, because red lentils are hulled, making them easier to digest.
It's also strong on the vitamin and mineral front: it contains iron, folic acid, and magnesium, which is useful if you're looking for more energetic days. Plus, it's low in fat, yet filling - so it can easily be incorporated into a diet, sports diet, or simply a conscious diet.
