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Lentil Stew with Couscous, Pine Nuts, and Warm Spices
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed
  • 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  • Add the cumin, cinnamon, and smoked paprika. Stir for 30 seconds until the spices smell fragrant.
  • Pour in the lentils, diced tomatoes, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until the lentils are tender.
  • While the stew simmers, bring 2 cups water to a boil in a separate saucepan. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  • Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, shaking often, until golden.
  • Spoon the couscous into bowls. Ladle the lentil stew over the couscous. Top each serving with toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley.

Notes

Cook the couscous right before serving so it stays light and separate rather than clumping. If the stew thickens too much while simmering, add a splash more broth to loosen it. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for three days and reheat gently on the stove with a little extra liquid.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Equipment: Large pot, Saucepan, Skillet