Moroccan Sweet Potato Lentil Stew

The Winter Detox Moroccan Sweet Potato Lentil Stew is rich in fiber and is a good source of protein. It’s good for digestion, acts as an immunity booster and is also a diuretic system cleanser. It helps in weight loss too. It is suitable for all doshas however people with Vata Dosha should have precautionary consumption. This healthy soup can be consumed in all seasons and at anytime of the day before sunset.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 large carrot, finely diced
• 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 ½ cups uncooked small brown lentils *
• 7 to 8 cups water (or broth) *
• 1 cup vegetable broth *
• 1 –  [ 14.5 oz. ] can petite diced tomatoes, pureed
• 2 cups packed – fresh baby spinach

Herb/Spice Ingredients: 

• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon cumin (see recipe notes*)
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander (see recipe notes *)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric (see recipe notes*)
• 2 ½ to 3 teaspoons sea salt (+/-) *
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (+/- to taste)

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a large ceramic/enamel-lined Dutch oven or similar stock pot, add the finely minced onion and carrot; sauté over medium heat until they begin to soften, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Add a tablespoon or so of water if the onions and carrots start to stick and/or to prevent burning.

• Add all the other the remaining ingredients to the Dutch oven, except the baby spinach and cilantro, bring to boil, then immediately lower to a simmer. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.

• Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 45 minutes. At 45 minutes, push the potatoes over to the side of the pot (as much as possible) and remove approximately one cup of the cooked lentils and place them in a wide bowl.  Smash them with a fork or potato masher, then return to the pot.  This will give the stew more varied texture.

• Test the flavors, add more spices (see recipes notes), if necessary, to achieve the level of flavor you desire. Add the baby spinach and cook for another 15 minutes.

• Discard the bay leaf.

• Top individual servings with freshly chopped cilantro.