Curried Red-Lentil Stew with Vegetables

Ingredients for Curried Red-Lentil Stew with Vegetables

• 6 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt

• 1 (2- by 1-inch) piece peeled fresh ginger, quartered

• 5 large garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

• 1275ml water

• 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder

• 3/4 teaspoons ground turmeric

• 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 240ml red lentils, picked over and rinsed

• 3 medium carrots, quartered lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces

• 3 cups chopped trimmed spinach leaves (90g)

• 1 cup frozen peas (not thawed)

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander

• 1/4 teaspoons cumin seeds

• 1/4 teaspoons dried hot red-pepper flakes

• Accompaniments: basmati rice

• basmati rice

• roasted cauliflower fresh coriander sprigs

How to make Curried Red-Lentil Stew with Vegetables

Heat 60ml oil in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then cook onion with 1/4 teaspoons salt, stirring occasionally, until golden, 8 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, purée ginger, garlic, and 80ml water in a blender. Add purée to golden onion and cook, stirring, until water is evaporated and oil visibly separates from onion mixture, about 5 minutes. Add curry powder, turmeric, and cumin and cook over low heat, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in lentils and remaining 1200ml water and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes. Add carrots and remaining teaspoon salt and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender and lentils have broken down into a coarse purée, 15 to 20 minutes.

Stir in spinach and peas and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in coriander and season stew with salt and pepper. If necessary, add enough water to thin stew so that it can easily be ladled over rice.

Just before serving, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a small skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook cumin seeds and red-pepper flakes, stirring, until fragrant and a shade darker, 30 to 45 seconds (be careful not to burn spices). Pour hot spice oil in a swirl over stew.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.