Exotic Moroccan Spiced Lentil Curry

If you have ever visited Morocco, first of all, lucky you! And secondly, you would know about the perplexing culinary scene going on there! It's indeed a spice affair and an explosion of senses! One of our favorite vegan (and traveling) chefs from Rated V, had the privilege of visiting a while ago, and a lovely lentil curry stole her (heart) tastebuds... Here's her story and a replica recipe of one of her favorites in Morocco. I love Moroccan food! Last December, I had the opportunity to travel to Morocco. Walking down the narrow streets of Marrakech, I was fascinated by the culinary experience! The street food stands, the smell of fresh bread, colorful spice piles on every corner, and the hustle and bustle of the locals. Of all the fantastic dishes I tried, my favorite was the humble lentil stew appetizer served with freshly made bread and chili sauce. Let me just say, MOUTH-WATERING! In Morocco, lentils will typically be included with whatever meal you order BUT WOW! When I tried this dish, I went to heaven for a bit. The spices they added and the way they cooked it were just so comforting and full of flavor that you literally would want to eat this e-v-e-r-y day. They used a typical spice blend called Ras-El-Hanout that adds a magical touch to lentils, tagines, and even tofu! So, of course, while most people were shopping for argan oil and other souvenirs, I was on the hunt for this Moroccan lentil spice blend! I couldn't wait to replicate this super tasty dish and put my own twist on it back home. I've decided to create a creamy version of this stew by adding coconut milk. I also added butternut squash and cauliflower to get those veggies in for the day! Moroccan Spiced Lentil Curry A true curry takes some prep, patience, and many ingredients. But I assure you, it is worth the effort! This dish will be a hit with family and friends anytime during the year! Ingredients: 1 cup butternut squash peeled and chopped 1/2 head of cauliflower cut into florets 1 tablespoon cumin seeds 1 tbs Moroccan spice mix Ras-El-Hanout *(see notes for substitutes) 1/4 minced onion 8-10 cloves of garlic, chopped (8 if large cloves) 2 large tomatoes grated * (see notes for substitutes) 1 large TBS tomato paste * (see notes for substitutes) 2 tablespoons ginger, chopped 1 tablespoon turmeric 2 teaspoons sea salt 1 cup dried lentils 1 teaspoon cayenne powder, optional 3 cups of water 1 15-ounce canned coconut milk A few handfuls of cherry tomatoes Garnish: 1 cup chopped cilantro Croutons Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) Instructions: In a baking pan, add cauliflower florets and chopped butternut squash. Season with salt, pepper, and turmeric. Bake at 400 F for about 20 min. Heat the coconut oil in a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 min. Add the cumin and spices of choice and toast until they brown, about 45 seconds. Add the garlic to the pot and let it brown for about 2 minutes. Add the grated tomatoes, tomato paste, ginger, turmeric, and sea salt to the pot and cook for 3 minutes, stirring a few times. Add the lentils, water, and cayenne pepper if you choose. Bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 35-40 minutes or until the lentils are soft. Stir a few times to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom. If the curry starts to look dry, add an extra 1/2 – 1 cup of water. Once the lentils are soft and the curry is thick, add the coconut milk (save some for garnish if desired) and adjust to taste. (I like tomato flavor, so I add more tomato paste if needed to ensure it has that sweet tomato flavor). Bring the pot back to a simmer. Remove the pot from the heat and serve in bowls. Garnish with some coconut milk, croutons, and pepita pumpkin seeds. You can enjoy this delicious curry with flatbread, rice, or yummy homemade ciabatta. (Learn more about homemade bread vs. store-bought bread here.) Substitute notes: *You can substitute Moroccan spices with garam masala, curry powder, or coriander seeds. *You can also use 3 tomatoes grated with a couple of teaspoons of sugar to sub tomato paste. Follow Rated V on Instagram or her Blog for more exciting food adventures as she explores vegan restaurants and dishes all over! Follow Country Life Natural Foods also on Instagram for more tasty recipes, tips, and info on healthy eating!

Exotic Moroccan Spiced Lentil Curry

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