This vibrant Spiced Lentils with Carrots recipe blends warm spices with hearty lentils and sweet carrots, creating a comforting, protein-packed vegetarian meal.
Rich in fiber and plant-based protein, it’s naturally low in saturated fat and perfect for everyday cooking.
Quick, easy, and ideal for meal prep, this dish is both nourishing and satisfyingly flavorful.
Spiced Lentils Stew with Carrots
Equipment
- 1 Deep Skillet or Sauté Pan
- 1 Chef’s Knife
- 1 Garlic Press
- 1 grater (for ginger)
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Measuring Cup & Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- 4 medium carrots about 2 cups, peeled and diced
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup brown lentils rinsed
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste
- ¼ cup chopped dried apricots or raisins
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics and Vegetables: Start by prepping all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. Dice the yellow onion into small, even pieces for consistent cooking. Mince the garlic finely to release its full flavor. Peel and grate the fresh ginger. Then, peel and dice the carrots into roughly ½-inch cubes so they cook evenly and retain a pleasant bite. Having everything ready at this stage makes the cooking process seamless.
- Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Ginger: Place a deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat and pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir continuously to coat the aromatics in oil. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft, translucent, and slightly golden. This step unlocks the depth of flavor in your dish, creating a fragrant base for the lentils.
- Toast Spices and Add Carrots: Next, add the diced carrots to the skillet, followed by 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of allspice, and ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to evenly coat the vegetables in the spices. Sauté this mixture for 2–3 minutes to lightly toast the spices, which intensifies their aroma and flavor while beginning to soften the carrots.
- Incorporate Lentils, Tomato Paste, and Dried Fruit: Add 1 cup of rinsed brown lentils to the skillet, followed by 3 tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir well to ensure the tomato paste fully combines with the vegetables and spices. Next, fold in ¼ cup of chopped dried apricots or raisins, which add a subtle sweetness to balance the savory spices. The combination of tomato paste and dried fruit creates a rich, flavorful base for the lentils to absorb.
- Add Broth and Bring to Boil: Pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth, stirring to dissolve any remaining tomato paste into the liquid. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil. This step ensures the lentils begin cooking evenly and absorb the flavors of the broth, vegetables, and spices.
- Simmer Until Tender: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Let the lentils and carrots simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Check the lentils toward the end of cooking; they should be tender but not mushy, and the carrots should be soft yet slightly firm. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Season to Taste: After 30 minutes, taste the lentils and adjust seasoning as needed. Depending on the salt content of your vegetable broth, you may need to add a pinch of salt or freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to distribute the seasoning evenly. Proper seasoning at this stage ensures each bite is perfectly balanced.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the spiced lentils to serving bowls or a large platter. For a fresh, colorful touch, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley over the top. These lentils pair wonderfully with crusty bread, creamy polenta, or mashed potatoes, making them a versatile option for lunch or dinner. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors immediately, or save for later meal prep.
- Optional Meal-Prep Tip: These lentils hold up well in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain a creamy consistency. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, making this recipe an excellent make-ahead option.
Notes
- Use brown or green lentils for best results—they hold their shape and provide a hearty texture.
- Avoid red, orange, or yellow lentils, as they cook quickly and can become mushy.
- Raisins are a cost-effective choice for sweetness, while dried apricots add a vibrant, fruity flavor.
- Adjust the spices to your preference—reduce red pepper for milder flavor or add more for heat.
- Ensure the broth is well-seasoned, as lentils absorb flavors beautifully during simmering.
- Chop vegetables uniformly to allow even cooking and consistent texture.
- These lentils are ideal for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge or freezer.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Lentils
The secret to deeply flavorful lentils lies in building layers of taste.
Start by properly sautéing the aromatics—onions, garlic, and ginger—until soft and fragrant.
Toasting spices with the carrots before adding liquid releases essential oils and maximizes their aroma.
For an extra depth of flavor, let the lentils simmer gently without over-stirring, allowing them to absorb the broth fully.
Finally, finish with fresh herbs like parsley for a bright, fresh note that contrasts the warm spices.
Serving Suggestions for Delicious Pairings
These spiced lentils shine when served in a variety of ways.
For a cozy dinner, spoon them over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes.
Serve alongside crusty whole-grain bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
For a lighter option, pair them with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
They also make an excellent filling for grain bowls—layer with quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a dollop of yogurt for a complete, nutrient-rich meal.
Storage Tips to Keep Lentils Fresh
Store cooled lentils in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess.
For longer-term storage, these lentils freeze beautifully for up to 3 months—portion them into individual servings for convenient meal prep.
Avoid freezing with fresh parsley; instead, add it just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of lentils?
Yes, but with caution. Brown or green lentils work best as they hold their shape and have a firm texture.
Red, orange, or yellow lentils cook faster and can turn mushy, making the dish more like a puree. Adjust cooking times accordingly if experimenting.
2. Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?
Absolutely! Reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes for a milder dish, or add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder if you prefer more heat.
Spices are easily adjusted to suit your taste.
3. Can I replace dried apricots with another ingredient?
Yes. Raisins are a great substitute for sweetness, while chopped dates or figs also work beautifully.
Choose dried fruit that complements the savory spices without overpowering them.
4. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! These lentils store well in the fridge for 4–5 days and freeze for up to 3 months.
They make a convenient, nutritious meal that’s easy to reheat. Just add fresh herbs before serving for a bright flavor boost.
5. What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
For lighter options, serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
You can also turn it into a hearty grain bowl by layering with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a dollop of yogurt.
