Simple Homemade Spiced Coconut Lentil Stew

Ingredients

• •1 tablespoon coconut oil
• •1 medium onion, diced
• •2 garlic cloves, minced
• •1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• •1 teaspoon ground cumin
• •1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• •1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• •1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• •1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• •1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
• •1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• •3 cups vegetable broth
• •1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• •1 medium carrot, diced
• •1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• •1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• •2 cups fresh spinach (optional, for garnish)
• •Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• •Juice of half a lime

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. 2

   Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Stir in the garlic, ginger, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. 4

   Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and stir to coat with the spices.

5. 5

   Pour in the coconut milk, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.

6. 6

   Add the diced carrot, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

7. 7

   Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.

8. 8

   Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.

9. 9

   Stir in the spinach, if using, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.

10. 10

    Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice.

11. 11

    Serve hot with fresh cilantro for garnish, if desired.