Vegan lentil stew is a comfort, rich and easy to make winter favorite for us.
Here is a lentil stew recipe that fills hungry tummies without breaking the bank. This recipe along with ful medames and falafel are every day's frugal recipes in Egypt.
Egyptian Vegan Lentil Stew
When it comes to vegetarian and vegan cooking in the Middle East, lentils are a favorite ingredient. Lentil dishes are considered frugal hence they are very popular in Egypt.
This vegan lentil stew is called "ads b gebbah" in Egypt, and it is one of my favorite lentil recipes. It is rich, lightly flavored, and hearty without the meat.
How to freeze lentil stew?
I always like making big batches of lentil stew then divide into containers and freeze for lunches or emergency dinners. Lentil stew freezes very well for up to 3 months and can stay in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Do you have to soak lentils before cooking?
Do not soak lentils before cooking. Just pick up any debris if any and rinse well.
Can you use canned lentils in this recipe?
Well, yes and no. I actually like using dry lentils for the texture plus it is cheaper.
How to make lentil stew?
- First you'll need to partially cook the lentils. Wash dry lentils under cold running water then place in a deep pot and cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes. Drain lentils and set aside.
- In the same pot, saute onion and garlic in olive oil. Pour in the tomato sauce, paste and water.
- Stir in spices then add the partially cooked lentils.
- Reduce heat and let everything simmer for another 10-15 minutes until lentils are done to your liking.
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If you like this recipe do not forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and attach a photo of your finished dish. It is always a pleasure of mine to see your photos and check your own take of the recipe. Thank you.
Vegan Lentil Stew
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown lentils.
- 1 medium onion- roughly chopped.
- 2 garlic clove- minced.
- 3 Tablespoon olive oil.
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste .
- 1 (14 oz) can of tomato sauce.
- ¼ cup of water.
- 1 teaspoon Salt or to taste.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon coriander.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the lentils very well, put lentils in a deep pot, fill with cold water to cover lentils, add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer until almost done, we do not want to completely cook the lentils as it will continue cooking in the tomato sauce later. Drain lentils immediately.
- In the same pot -as we do not need more cleaning- heat olive oil, saute the chopped onions, then add the garlic.
- Add tomato sauce, water and tomato paste, simmer for 3-4 minutes then add the lentils and the spices.
- Continue simmering for more 10 minutes or until lentils are completely done.
- Serving suggestion: serve topped with avocado slices, chopped onions, cilantro and eat with rice , couscous or crusty bread.
Notes
Nutrition
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Basma
This is a good recipe, I'm just asking about nutrition Calories: 253.7kcalProtein: 11.6g |per one person?, or the total recepie?
So how much protein the one can get from this recipe? Thank you in advance.
Amira
Hello Basma, the nutrition facts are always an estimate, so if you divide the recipe into 6 equal servings each one will give 253.7kcal and have 11.6g protein. I hope this helps. Thanks
Angie
Delicious!!
Linda Jackson
Very easy to follow directions, very easy to make and very tasty. I did tweak the spices a bit for less cumin and the addition of fenugreek & smoked paprika. I served with Kamut, avocado slices, red onion & a sprinkle of Everything but the Bagel seasoning. Perfect for a chilly Sunday meal. Thank you!
Amira
Thanks Linda for your comment, happy you liked it.
bedak wanita
that's looks very tasty. I want to make it at home and give it to my husband and son.
Mary Frances
I'm very sorry to hear about your friend. Hope she makes a decision soon and lives a happy, healthy life once again. Afterall, life is too short to be taken seriously. You're a great friend! 🙂
The brown lentils look so flavorful, warm and yummy! Can't wait to try your recipe.
Rafeeda
Reading through your post left a lump in my throat... many women, not only your friend, but many from my side of the world also don't give up on a marriage that drains them, because they put their children on top of themselves... It is a very difficult choice to make, in fact... May Allah bless her with what is best for her... I love brown lentils and this dish sounds like one I will love to gulp in... Wonderful share...
Abida
As a single girl, these are the kind of sad stories that sometimes make me so scared of marriage. Such a big commitment and so much risk and sacrifice involved. May Allah ease her affairs, ameen.
I love frugal dishes like this and I could eat lentils all day! I have tried mujaddara which I love but not foul as I can never seem to find fava beans in the store. Great to know that I can try a similar recipe with lentils.
Marta
This is an amazing friendship, so long. Cheers to this one.
Umm Hamza
May Allah ease your friend's life, reward her for her sabr and guide both her, her husband and all of us. Ameen.
Your Lentil dish looks like like the perfect vegetarian dish, so nourishing and comforting.
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz
Such a courageous post showing your love and very touching. And I agree with you. Great recipe!
John/Kitchen Riffs
Your friend sounds like she's in a tough spot -- hope she gets to a happier place, and soon. Anyway, we're on the same wavelength at the moment, foodwise. I'm going to do something with lentils tonight for dinner. Haven't decided exactly what -- but I think this recipe is a sign, don't you? 🙂 Really nice -- thanks.
Hotly Spiced
I'm so sorry to hear the your friend and her situation. It does sound like she's going through a very difficult time, not only because of the man she's married but because of the culture of the country she lives in. I do hope she can find a way out. I love a frugal vegetarian dish. I haven't tried this but would like to xx
Joanne T Ferguson
This sounds delicious Amrita! Sometimes in the simplest of dishes, we find the greatest satisfaction! YUM! I am sorry about your friend's situation and may everyone live in peace with dignity!
Liz
I love lentils and your stew sounds wonderful---now if I could just get the hubby on board! I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's predicament. I hope she can find peace and happiness in time. You're a good friend to be there for her.
Juliana
Sorry to learn about your friend...it is really sad. This is such a easy and simple dish with lentil...I really would like to see more lentils on my table.
Have a great week Amira 🙂
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
I'm really hoping that your friend is ok. It must be hard watching her struggle like that but not being able to do anything about it. What a lovely dedication.