Spiced Lentils with Carrots

Spiced Lentils with Carrots

4 servings
These warm, sweet, and savory spiced lentils hold up well as leftovers and make the perfect cozy vegetarian meal prep.

Ingredients

  • yellow onion

    $0.70

    1
  • garlic

    $0.16

    4 clove
  • fresh grated ginger

    $0.10

    1 tsp
  • carrots

    $0.56

    4
  • olive oil

    $0.44

    2 tbsp
  • ground cumin

    $0.10

    1 tsp
  • cinnamon

    $0.05

    ½ tsp
  • allspice

    $0.05

    ½ tsp
  • red pepper

    $0.02

    ¼ tsp
  • brown lentils*

    $0.67

    1 c
  • tomato paste

    $0.15

    3 tbsp
  • apricots or raisins**

    $0.75

    ¼ c
  • vegetable broth

    $0.39

    3 c
  • parsley

    $0.10

    1 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Dice the onion, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and peel and dice the carrots.

  2. 2

    Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and olive oil to a deep skillet. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent (about five minutes).

  3. 3

    Add the diced carrots, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, and crushed red pepper to the skillet. Continue to sauté for about two minutes more.

  4. 4

    Next, add the uncooked lentils, tomato paste, raisins or chopped apricots, and broth to the skillet. Stir until the tomato paste has dissolved into the broth. Place a lid on the skillet and turn the heat up to high.

  5. 5

    Allow the broth to come to a full boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let the lentils simmer in the broth with the lid on for 30 minutes, stirring only occasionally.

  6. 6

    After 30 minutes the lentils and carrots should be very tender. Give the lentils a taste and add salt or pepper if needed (this will depend on the salt content of your broth, I did not add any).

  7. 7

    Serve the spiced lentils with crusty bread for dipping, or over a bed of polenta or mashed potatoes. Top with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Spiced Lentils with Carrots

Spiced Lentils with Carrots

4.9(97)50 min4 servings314 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

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Based on 97 ratings

budgetbytes.com
4.9(97 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting and deeply flavorful meal that warms you from the inside out? These Spiced Lentils with Carrots are a fantastic answer, bringing together earthy lentils and sweet carrots with an aromatic blend of spices.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines through its thoughtful combination of fragrant spices. The warmth of cumin, cinnamon, and allspice pairs beautifully with a hint of crushed red pepper, creating a complex flavor profile that elevates simple lentils and carrots. The unexpected sweetness from dried apricots or raisins adds a delightful counterpoint, making each spoonful truly satisfying.

What to Expect

Prepare for a rich, hearty dish with a wonderful balance of savory and subtly sweet notes. The lentils become tender and absorb all the aromatic spices, while the carrots add a touch of natural sweetness and soft texture. You'll experience a comforting meal, perfect for a cozy evening. The blend of ginger, garlic, and onion forms a robust base, ensuring a deeply satisfying flavor in every bite.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to swap out the dried apricots for raisins if that's what you have on hand, or use a combination of both for varied sweetness. If you enjoy a touch more heat, a pinch more crushed red pepper can be added. For a brighter finish, don't skip the optional fresh parsley.

Serving & Context

This Spiced Lentils with Carrots dish makes for a wonderfully wholesome and comforting main course, especially on cooler days. It pairs well with a simple green salad or a side of crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful broth.

Frequently Asked Questions