Rustic Moroccan Lentil Stew with Preserved Lemons

Name: Rustic Moroccan Lentil Stew with Preserved Lemons
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Olive Oil; Onion; Garlic; Ground Cumin; Ground Coriander; Cayenne Pepper; Lentils; Vegetable Broth; Diced Tomatoes; Carrots; Bay Leaf; Preserved Lemons; Lemon Juice; Salt and Pepper; Fresh Cilantro

A Hearty and Flavorful Moroccan Classic

This Moroccan Lentil Stew combines earthy lentils with the bright tang of preserved lemons for a truly comforting dish. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

1 h 45 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Stew Base

Olive Oil

1 tablespoon

Onion

1 large, finely chopped

Garlic

3 cloves, minced

Ground Cumin

1 teaspoon

Ground Coriander

1 teaspoon

Cayenne Pepper

1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)

For the Lentils

Lentils

1 cup (green or brown), rinsed and drained

Vegetable Broth

4 cups

Diced Tomatoes

1 can (14 oz)

Carrots

2, diced

Bay Leaf

For the Citrus Accent

Preserved Lemons

2, rind thinly sliced (pulp removed)

Lemon Juice

1 tablespoon

For the Finishing Touches

Salt and Pepper

To taste

Fresh Cilantro

1/4 cup, chopped

Preparation

Prepping the Stew Base

Heat the oil

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Sauté onion

Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add garlic and spices

Stir in garlic, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper, cook for 2 more minutes.

Preparing the Lentils

Combine lentils and aromatics

Add lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, and bay leaf to the pot.

Bring to a boil

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes.

For a thicker consistency, mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot.

Simmer until tender

Stir occasionally until lentils are tender.

Be sure to remove the bay leaf before serving.

Cooking Process

Simmering the Stew

Once the stew base is prepared, add the lentils and bring to a boil before simmering.

Adding Preserved Lemons

Stir in the preserved lemon rinds and lemon juice during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Finishing Touches

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and stir in fresh cilantro just before serving.

Plating & Serving