Main Course · Dinner · Middle Eastern ·

Rustic Moroccan Lentil Stew with Preserved Lemons

Name: Rustic Moroccan Lentil Stew with Preserved Lemons
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 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); Lentils, 1 cup (green or brown), rinsed and drained; Vegetable Broth, 4 cups; Diced Tomatoes, 1 can (14 oz); Carrots, 2, diced; Bay Leaf, 1; Preserved Lemons, 2, rind thinly sliced (pulp removed); Lemon Juice, 1 tablespoon; Salt and Pepper, To taste; Fresh Cilantro, 1/4 cup, chopped

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.

4.5(575 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·September 26, 2025

Rustic Moroccan Lentil Stew with Preserved Lemons — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 h 45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Stew Base

For the Lentils

For the Citrus Accent

For the Finishing Touches

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 266 kcal
Protein: 14.9 g
Carbs: 44.2 g
Fat: 4.4 g
Fiber: 10.6 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1062 kcal
Protein: 59.7 g
Carbs: 176.8 g
Fat: 17.4 g
Fiber: 42.4 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Olive Oil 1 tablespoon	119	0	0	13.5	0
Onion 1 large, finely chopped	60	1.8	14.5	0.2	2.5
Garlic 3 cloves, minced	13	0.6	3	0	0.2
Ground Cumin 1 teaspoon	8	0.4	0.9	0.5	0.8
Ground Coriander 1 teaspoon	5	0.2	1	0.2	0.7
Cayenne Pepper 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)	3	0.1	0.6	0.2	0.3
Lentils 1 cup (green or brown), rinsed and drained	678	49.5	115.3	2	29.5
Vegetable Broth 4 cups	40	2	8	0	0
Diced Tomatoes 1 can (14 oz)	66	3.5	15	0.4	4
Carrots 2, diced	50	1.2	12	0.3	3.6
Bay Leaf 1	0	0	0	0	0
Preserved Lemons 2, rind thinly sliced (pulp removed)	15	0.3	4	0.1	1.6
Lemon Juice 1 tablespoon	4	0.1	1.3	0	0.1
Salt and Pepper To taste	0	0	0	0	0
Fresh Cilantro 1/4 cup, chopped	1	0.1	0.2	0	0.1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Prepping the Stew Base

1
Heat the oil
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2
Sauté onion
Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Add garlic and spices
Stir in garlic, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper, cook for 2 more minutes.

Preparing the Lentils

1
Combine lentils and aromatics
Add lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, and bay leaf to the pot.
2
Bring to a boil
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes.
Tip: For a thicker consistency, mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot.
3
Simmer until tender
Stir occasionally until lentils are tender.
Tip: Be sure to remove the bay leaf before serving.

How to Make Rustic Moroccan Lentil Stew with Preserved Lemons

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Simmering the Stew
Once the stew base is prepared, add the lentils and bring to a boil before simmering.
2
Adding Preserved Lemons
Stir in the preserved lemon rinds and lemon juice during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
3
Finishing Touches
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and stir in fresh cilantro just before serving.