Coconut-Curry Lentil Stew Served over Quinoa

This hardy, flavorful lentil stew is very nutritious and filling. Even my kids love it, which is surprising because they are picky. It is both vegan and gluten-free, so just about everyone can enjoy it. I like to spice mine up with garlic-chile sauce on the side. If you don't grow your own tomatoes, ripe ones can be hard to find. Ask your local produce grocer to set aside their damaged and overripe tomatoes for you when they restock and you can get them for a bargain.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 347 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups red lentils
• 3 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
• 5 large tomatoes, chopped
• 3 ½ cups water
• 2 tablespoons ground coriander
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 cups quinoa
• ¼ cup coconut powder
• 1 (4 inch) cinnamon stick

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Soak the quinoa in a bowl filled with cold water for 5 minutes, then drain using a fine mesh strainer, and rinse with running water. Set the strainer aside so the quinoa can drain, then bring 3 1/2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in the quinoa, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer until the quinoa has absorbed the liquid and is tender, about 15 minutes. Set aside, and keep warm.

Step 2

Melt the coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, and cook for 5 minutes more. Pour in the water and coconut milk, and add the molasses, coconut powder, cinnamon, curry powder, and ground coriander. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then stir in the lentils, and cook until just tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir frequently as the lentils cook to keep them from sticking. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will quickly loose shape and become a paste.

Step 3

Once the lentils are done, season to taste with salt and pepper, and stir in the chopped cilantro. Serve the lentil stew over a bed of quinoa.