Description
This Moroccan-style roasted carrot and lentil dal is a warm, hearty, and plant-based dish combining tender red lentils with naturally sweet roasted carrots and aromatic spices. It’s perfect for a nourishing and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place carrot chunks on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast the carrots for 25–30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat and cook the onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add rinsed lentils, turmeric, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until lentils are soft and creamy.
- Add roasted carrots and gently stir to combine.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Swap red lentils for yellow lentils if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Add spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.
- For creamier texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk.
- Add chili flakes or chopped chili for heat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently, adding water or broth to adjust consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roast and Simmer
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
