Embark on a culinary journey to the Caribbean with our tantalizing stewed lentils recipe. This hearty and flavorful dish is a delightful blend of spices, aromatic herbs, and wholesome lentils, simmered to perfection. Discover the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean as you explore variations of this classic stew, each infused with unique ingredients and cooking techniques. From the traditional Jamaican Red Lentil Stew, brimming with bold flavors and a hint of scotch bonnet pepper, to the aromatic Trinidadian Lentil Stew, featuring a symphony of spices and coconut milk, this collection of recipes promises an unforgettable taste of the Caribbean.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
CARIBBEAN STEWED LENTILS
This is one of my favourites from growing up in Trinidad. It's a great vegetarian dish and very healthy, as it has high levels of proteins, is a good source of iron, and also contains dietary fiber, folate, and vitamin B1. It also freezes very well if made in large batches. I usually serve mine with rice.
Provided by Yellsbells
Categories Lentil
Time 7h
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- For bagged lentils, follow the preparation listed on the bag, soaking if necessary. If using dried lentils, make sure to sift through them removing any debris and then soak in a bowl with water for a few hours or overnight.
- When the lentils are prepped, add them to a pot with enough water to cover them by about 2 inches.
- Add the garlic cloves (whole), hot pepper (whole), salt, black pepper, thyme and bouillon to the lentils and water, and heat to medium-high heat.
- Bring this to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer for about 45 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- In another pot, heat the oil at medium heat and saute the sliced onions until they are golden at the edges.
- Then gently (we're adding liquid to hot oil) add the cooked lentils to the pot (pour in everything).
- With a whisk or cooking spoon, stir to break down some of the lentils to thicken the consistency and create more of a sauce.
- Add the scallions, cilantro and butter and stir.
- Allow this to cook for about 20 more minutes or until the desired consistency is reached. I prefer mine to be like a thick soup.
- Don't forget to fish out the twig from the thyme before serving and enjoy.
STEWED LENTILS AND TOMATOES
Provided by Ina Garten
Categories side-dish
Time 1h15m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onions, carrots and fennel and cook over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until the onions start to brown. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Meanwhile, rinse and pick over the lentils to make sure there are no stones in the package.
- Add the tomatoes, lentils, chicken stock, curry powder, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pan. Raise the heat to bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer covered for about 40 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Check occasionally to be sure the liquid is still simmering. Remove from the heat and allow the lentils to sit covered for another 10 minutes. Add the vinegar, season to taste, and serve hot.
CARIBBEAN CURRIED PEAS (LENTILS)
This recipe can be eaten as a main or side dish. The key to developing the flavor (and not missing the meat) is caramelizing and developing deep browning of the onions and carrots. In the Caribbean, cooks call this 'burning' the onions.
Provided by Liz and Sylvan
Categories Side Dish Curry Side Dish Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat canola oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat; cook and stir onion, carrots, salt, black pepper, and sugar until onion is a deep brown color, 15 to 20 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; add garlic, chile pepper, ginger, and curry powder. Stir constantly to incorporate, about 5 minutes.
- Increase heat to medium-heat and stir 1 can vegetable broth into the onion mixture. Scrape up any vegetables or curry powder stuck to the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Add lentils and remaining 1 can of vegetable broth; cook until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes. Stir cilantro into lentils before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 373.2 calories, Carbohydrate 44.9 g, Fat 15.8 g, Fiber 18.9 g, Protein 15 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 432.9 mg, Sugar 7.9 g
JAMAICAN LENTIL STEW WITH COCONUT
1 pot, 1 hour = simple, incredibly tasty vegetarian meal. Truly a delightful change from ordinary lentil stew or soup. Make sure you have a hunk of great bread to sop up the stew juices or you'll end up using your fingers! Add a salad for a complete meal.
Provided by rsarahl
Categories Stew
Time 50m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Make a thick paste by mashing ginger and garlic together using a pestle and mortar or a small bowl and the heel of a wooden spoon.
- Heat vegetable oil over medium heat in a large saucepan, add the onion and saute until transparent.
- Add the garlic ginger paste and saute another 2 minutes until fragrant; lower heat and stir constantly to avoid burning the paste.
- Add the spices and saute for a minute more.
- Stir in the coconut milk, stock, lentils, sweet potato and pumpkin puree.
- Simmer over medium - low heat for 40 - 50 minutes or until sweet potato is soft and almost melting into the stew. Be sure to stir occasionaly.
- Before serving, stir in the red curry paste if you are using it or adjust seasoning with black pepper.
- NOTE: The stew has a creamy texture and is thick with lentils, sweet potato and pumpkin that melt into a delictable base. If you prefer a lighter soup then add more stock to thin the base, or try adding more cocount milk for a very savory and unique taste.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 577.3, Fat 23.2, SaturatedFat 15.9, Sodium 57.8, Carbohydrate 85.5, Fiber 11.3, Sugar 54.1, Protein 10.6
Tips:
- Choose the right lentils. Red lentils are the most common type used in Caribbean stewed lentils, but you can also use brown or green lentils. Red lentils cook more quickly than the other two types, but they also have a softer texture. Brown and green lentils hold their shape better, but they take longer to cook.
- Rinse the lentils before cooking. This will help to remove any dirt or debris.
- Use a variety of vegetables. The vegetables that you use in your stewed lentils are up to you, but some common choices include carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. You can also add other vegetables, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, or corn.
- Season the lentils well. The spices that you use in your stewed lentils will depend on your personal preference. Some common spices include cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. You can also add fresh herbs, such as cilantro or thyme.
- Cook the lentils until they are tender. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of lentils that you are using. Red lentils will cook in about 20 minutes, while brown and green lentils will take about 30 minutes.
Conclusion:
Caribbean stewed lentils is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great source of protein and fiber. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious pot of Caribbean stewed lentils that your family and friends will love.
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