Recipe: Curried Lentils with Carrots and Peas (vegan)

CURRIED LENTILS WITH CARROTS AND PEAS

"Aromatic spices and coconut milk turn everyday lentils into a richly flavored stew. Serve over freshly cooked basmati rice."

1 large onion, cut into chunks
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons curry powder or garam masala
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1⁄8 teaspoon ground cardamom or cloves (optional)
4 cups water
1 1/4 cups dried brown lentils, picked over and rinsed
2 large carrots, halved lengthwise and cut into thin half-moons
3/4 cup frozen green peas, thawed
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
Hot cooked rice (for serving)

In a food processor, puree the onion, garlic, and ginger.

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion puree, cover, and cook to mellow the flavor, about 5 minutes, stirring a few times to make sure it doesn't burn. Stir in all of the spices and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.

Add 4 cups water and bring to a simmer. Add the lentils, cover, and cook for 25 minutes.

Add the carrots, cover, and continue to cook until tender, about 20 minutes more.

When the lentils and carrots are tender, stir in the peas and coconut milk. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if needed. Simmer, uncovered, to incorporate the flavors, about 10 minutes.

Serve hot over rice.

Diet type: Vegan

Makes 4-6 servings
Used by permission to Recipelink.com from Harvard Commons Press
Source: Vegan Planet by Robin Robertson