Middle Eastern Spiced Lentil Stew with Chili

Ingredients

• 1 cup Lentils (red or brown), rinsed
• 1 small Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Ground paprika
• 1/2 tsp Ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp Chili flakes (or ground chili)
• 3 cups Vegetable broth (or water)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (10 minutes): Rinse lentils. Chop onion and mince garlic; chop parsley.

2. 2

   In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion for 5 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic for 30 seconds.

3. 3

   Add paprika, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper; stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.

4. 4

   Add lentils and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and the stew thickens.

5. 5

   Finish: Stir in lemon juice and top with parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.