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Vegan Yellow Lentil Stew_Midpage

Easy Vegan Yellow Lentil Stew

If you're looking for easy yellow lentil recipes to add to your rotation, start with this easy vegan yellow lentil stew.
4.34 from 6 votes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Calories: 285kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Small saucepan

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon neutral oil, divided
  • 2 yellow onions, peeled and diced
  • 4 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne powder optional
  • 1 cup yellow lentils
  • 6–8 cups water or vegetable stock

Spice mixture:

  • 2 tablespoons vegan or dairy butter
  • 2 teaspoons black mustard seeds
  • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon dry fenugreek leaves

Instructions

Sauté the vegetables:

  • Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté for 5–6 minutes or until they begin to soften. Next, add the carrots and potatoes and sauté for 5–6 minutes.
  • Create a well in the middle of the vegetables and add the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the garam masala and cayenne powder, if used, and let it sizzle in the hot oil for 30–45 seconds.
  • Toss coat the vegetables in the bloomed spice mixture and season liberally with salt and pepper.

Simmer the yellow lentils:

  • Add the yellow lentils and then pour in 6 cups of water or vegetable stock. Bring it to a boil and then reduce heat to low. Cover the stew and simmer for 20–30 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Add the remaining 2 cups of water or stock if the liquid absorbs too quickly while simmering.

Sizzle the spices (optional):

  • Melt the vegan butter into a small saucepan. Once bubbly, add the fenugreek, cumin, and black mustard seeds and cook, constantly stirring, for 1 minute. Once the mustard seeds begin to pop, turn off the heat and immediately pour it into the lentil stew. You'll hear lots of beautiful sizzling noises!

To serve:

  • Divide the stewed lentils between bowls and serve with cooked basmati rice or naan and cilantro leaves.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 69mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 5g