Moroccan Pumpkin And Lentils Recipes

LENTIL STEW WITH PUMPKIN OR SWEET POTATOES

Steps:

• Combine the lentils, water or stock, onion, garlic cloves and bay leaf in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil. Rub the saffron between your fingers and add to the pot, along with the turmeric and the cilantro. Reduce the heat, add salt to taste, cover and simmer 30 minutes.
• Remove the onion and garlic cloves from the pot, and add the remaining ingredients except the parsley. Bring back to a simmer, cover and simmer 30 minutes or until the lentils and vegetables are tender. Discard the cilantro bundle, taste and adjust seasonings. Just before serving, stir in the parsley.

MOROCCAN-STYLE PUMPKIN (WITH LENTILS)

Steps:

• In a heavy pot with a lid, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil on medium-high heat. When hot, add the lamb; sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook until browned on all sides, 5 to 8 minutes total, stirring as needed. Remove the pieces of lamb to a plate and reduce the heat to medium.
• If the pan is dry, add more oil. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 5 minutes. Add pumpkin, garlic, turmeric, cinnamon and cumin; cook until pumpkin begins to soften, about 10 minutes.
• Add bay leaves, wine, stock and tomatoes, and return lamb to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook for at least 45 minutes on medium-low, partly covered. Stir occasionally; add more stock if needed.
• Add lentils, and bring the mixture back to a boil. Adjust heat a simmer. Continue to cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the liquid is thick, about 30 minutes. (If at any point it threatens to become too thick, add a bit of stock or water.) Taste, and adjust the seasoning. Remove the bay leaves, and garnish with cilantro before serving.

MOROCCAN CHICKEN AND LENTILS

Steps:

• Combine 8 cups water and 1 teaspoons of the salt in a heavy large saucepan over low heat.
• Add the lentils and bring to a boil.
• Cover, reduce heat to medium and simmer about 20 to 25 minutes, or until lentils are tender but not mushy.
• Drain, rinse with cold water, then drain well again.
• Transfer to a large bowl.
• Whisk together the 1 cup of olive oil, red wine vinegar, cumin, chili powder, garlic and salt; pour 1 cup of this dressing over the warm lentils and toss gently.
• Allow to cool.
• In a large skillet,heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and saute onions until dark brown and soft, about 5 to 10 minutes.
• Add chicken and saute 2 minutes.
• Add 1 teaspoons salt, the cumin, chili powder and cinnamon.
• Saute until chicken is cooked through, about 5 more minutes.
• Arrange lentils on a large platter and place sliced chicken on top.
• Drizzle with remaining dressing and sprinkle with the fresh parsley.

CREAMY PUMPKIN & LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large pan. Fry the onions until softened and starting to turn golden. Stir in the garlic, pumpkin flesh, lentils and thyme, then pour in the hot stock. Season, cover and simmer for 20-25 mins until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
• Meanwhile, wash the pumpkin seeds. Remove any flesh still clinging to them, then dry them with kitchen paper. Heat the 1 tsp oil in a non-stick pan and fry the seeds until they start to jump and pop. Stir frequently, but cover the pan in between to keep them in it. When the seeds look nutty and toasted, add a sprinkling of salt and a pinch of sugar, and stir well.
• Whizz the cooked pumpkin mixture with a hand blender or in a food processor until smooth, then add the crème fraîche and whizz again. Taste for seasoning.
• Serve with a spoonful of crème fraîche, a few thyme leaves and the toasted seeds scattered on top.