Tag: passata

Turkish-style Carrots and Lentils

Easy peasy. I prefer French green lentils, but regular green (aka brown) lentils work fine too, and they're much easier to find. Black lentils are also reasonable to use.

Serve on its own, or possibly with a heavy grain like farro or barley. I served the first attempt with a green salad and focaccia (with Michael).

Ingredients Step
1 c. lentils (green/brown/black)
3 c. water
Bring to boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. When done (they may still be slightly undercooked), strain into a colander set over a bowl -- we want to retain the cooking liquid.
oil
1 onion, sliced thin into half moons
Heat oil in large skillet. Cook until onion is tender.
½ c. mint Chop.
1 t. ground coriander Stir into onions.
4 cloves garlic, minced
1½ lb. carrots, sliced thin (about 4 cups)
salt to taste
Cook, stirring for 2-3 minutes, until carrots begin to soften.
⅓ c. passata
⅔ c. water
1 t. sugar
parcooked lentils
enough water to cover the lentils (ideally the lentil cooking water)
salt to taste
half the mint
Stir in. Bring to a simmer. Simmer uncovered 15-20 minutes, until lentils are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated. Taste and adjust salt, then remove from heat.
half the mint Sprinkle on top. Serve.

Source: Martha Rose Shulman (NYT Cooking)

Somali Red Lentil Stew (Maraq Misir)

Delicious. Makes 6 servings.

If you really want to go all out, you can toast any of the spices that you have whole, then grind them. Add the other pre-ground spices at the end.

Serve chunky or blended, with salad or rice or bread.

Ingredients Step
oil
1 large white onion, diced
Saute in large pot until translucent.
1½ c. red lentils Rinse in colander.
8 cloves garlic, minced
4 t. cumin
1 t. coriander
½ t. black pepper
⅛ t. cloves
⅛ t. cinnamon
⅛ t. cardamom
½ t. turmeric
1½ t. salt
Measure.
1.5 c passata (equivalent to 6 Romas)
rinsed red lentils
1 large carrot, diced
¾ c. cilantro, diced
spices
6 c. warm water
Add to the onions, stir, and cover pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked, about 25 minutes.

Source: Ifrah F. Ahmed (NYT Cooking)