Middle Eastern Lentil Stew (Printable)

A vibrant stew combining lentils, chickpeas, and Middle Eastern spices for a comforting, hearty dish.

# What you'll need:

→ Legumes

01 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
02 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 2 medium carrots, diced
07 - 2 celery stalks, diced

→ Spices & Seasonings

08 - 1 ½ teaspoons ground sumac
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - ½ teaspoon ground coriander
11 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
13 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
14 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Liquids

15 - 4 cups vegetable broth
16 - 1 cup water
17 - Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)

→ Fresh Herbs & Garnish

18 - ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
19 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# How to make it:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
02 - Add garlic, carrots, and celery. Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Incorporate sumac, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne. Cook for 1 minute until the spices release their aroma.
04 - Add lentils, chickpeas, vegetable broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until lentils are tender.
05 - Stir in lemon juice and half of the parsley. Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve garnished with remaining parsley and lemon wedges.

# Expert suggestions:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day.
  • The sumac brings a bright, lemony tang that makes everything else taste more like itself.
  • Completely vegan and naturally filling enough to be dinner without apologies.
02 -
  • Don't skip blooming the spices in the oil—this moment of heat releases their essential oils and transforms them from dried powder into something alive and aromatic.
  • Sumac is non-negotiable for the real flavor profile, but if you can't find it, lemon zest mixed with a tiny pinch of salt comes surprisingly close.
03 -
  • If your lentils are older, they take longer to soften—taste them at twenty minutes and give them more time if needed rather than mushing them early.
  • A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving adds a richness that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
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