Stove to Table within 30 minutes: Moroccan Lentil Stew with Raisins
PUBLISHED ON: 02.19.2016
This lentil stew with raisins is considered a traditional Moroccan comfort soup much like our beloved chicken soup. Chick peas, lentils, and golden raisins stew in a savory tomato broth with cinnamon, cumin and red pepper. Dried fruits are a staple in a Moroccan kitchen and the raisins here are a perfect addition to adding just a hint of sweetness, while reducing the acidity of the tomatoes in this comforting and hearty stew.
No one will ever guess that this stew is prepared with store bought quality convenience foods which makes eating healthy more easy. What’s even better? You can have this entree from stove to table in about 30 minutes. Want to serve a crowd? Serve the stew over couscous or potatoes family style.
Note: If you live locally and are interested in learning about Moroccan cuisine I will be hosting a cooking demonstration at Brown’s Kitchen on Saturday, March 12. You can call (850) 385-5665 to reserve your seat. We will be exploring the fragrant spices of Morocco and indulging in the vibrant flavors of North Africa.
Menu:
Star Anise Cinnamon Cocktail
Lemon and Coriander Marinated Olives
Chicken with Preserved Lemons and Olives served with couscous
Moroccan Tomato Salad
and finish with a sweet mint tea
Moroccan Lentil Stew with Raisins
Serves 6
Recipe from Vegetarian Times
Ingredients:
1 cup chopped onions
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
1-28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
2-18 ounce cartons prepared lentil soup
1- 15 ounce can chick peas, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup raisins or dried currants
2 tsp. ground cinnamon, or to taste
1-1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes, or to taste
6 Tbs. plain non-fat Greek yogurt or soy yogurt optional
Directions:
1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 3 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute, or until garlic is softened, but not browned, stirring constantly.
2. Stir in tomatoes, soup, chick peas, raisins, cinnamon, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Bring stew to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes, or until mixture is reduced and sauce has thickened, stirring often from bottom to prevent sticking. Garnish each serving with 1 Tbs. yogurt, if using.
Enjoy!
Michelle
This looks delicious and good luck with your cooking demonstration.
Tina
You are a rock star in the kitchen and garden, Velva! One day I want to take one of the cooking classes. I have read you are one of their most popular cooks. That's an amazing menu.
Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen
What an interesting combination of ingredients in this beautiful soup. I would have never thought of pairing lentils with chickpeas and raisins. Sounds fantastic Velva.Sam
grace
i've never, ever put raisins in a soup, but i can't see why it wouldn't be delicious! great flavors!
Angie's Recipes
How delicious! I have never thought of adding raisins in lentils stews..gotta give it a try next time.
Rhodesia
We often have lentil dishes and this sounds a really good one. Now if only we did live locally….. have a good weekend. Diane
Nammi
looks delicious
Joumana
LOVE it!!!
Karen Harris
I just started liking raisins recently and I have been making up for lost time ever since. This looks absolutely delicious.
Elisabeth
Hi Velva, I just clicked over from Facebook because I'm so interesting in this simple and yummy Moroccan Lentil Stew, and the easiest part is that you use canned lentil soup as the base, but since I make homemade lentil soup often, I will use that for this recipe. Love the combination of the chick peas, raisins and the well know Moroccan spices! I also followed you, which is odd…because it seems I had followed you a long time ago, and my old photo popped up! xo
Rocky Mountain Woman
I'd love a big bowl of that for dinner tonight!
That Girl
My youngest is so into lentils right now!
That Girl
My youngest is so into lentils right now!
Julie
This looks so good. I love lentils, hubby not so much!
Marcelle
I haven't eaten lentils many times, but this looks like a great way to try them again! This sounds so flavorful 🙂
~~louise~~
Oh how I wish I could attend your cooking demonstaration in Tallahassee, Velva. Congratulations! I bet you make everyone hungry and inspired to go Moroccan!The ease of this inviting Lentil Stew amazes me. I may have all the ingredients on hand, even the raisins! Thank you so much for sharing, Velva…
Rambling Tart
This is just the sort of comfort food I love, Velva. 🙂 Served over potatoes would be just right.
Karen (Back Road Journal)
Anyone in your area will be thrilled to have an opportunity to attend your cooking demo…good luck with that. I really enjoy Moroccan dishes and this certainly is an easy one to prepare.
priya
Very delicious healthy and comfy food I just say
Foodiewife
The flavors of Morocco is one of my husband's faves, and it's growing on me. This looks flavorful and super healthy. Win!
Claudia
You have to love a recipe when you are reading it and note that you have all the ingredients. I love how it is spiced. I do love my chicken soup but I also am open to all comfort food from all the corners of the world.