Middle Eastern Spicy Lentil Stew (Shatta Style)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Red lentils (dry)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/2 medium Onion
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1 cup Crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups Vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 tbsp Shatta (spicy chili paste)
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp Ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/8 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (10 minutes): Rinse the lentils. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.

2. 2

   Cook (35 minutes): In a pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion for 4–5 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic for 30 seconds.

3. 3

   Cook: Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring to darken slightly. Add shatta, cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika; stir for 30 seconds.

4. 4

   Cook: Add crushed tomatoes, broth, lentils, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

5. 5

   Cook: Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and the stew thickens.

6. 6

   Finish: Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.