Carrots and Lentils in Olive Oil

Carrots and Lentils in Olive Oil
Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times
Total Time
50 minutes
Rating
5(849)
Comments
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This is an adaptation of a Turkish recipe, a sweet and savory combination of lentils, onions and carrots that can be served hot or at room temperature, as a main dish or a side.

Featured in: Vegan Recipes for Lent

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Ingredients

Yield:Serves four to six
  • 1cup brown, green or black lentils, rinsed
  • 3cups water
  • ¼cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1onion, halved lengthwise, then sliced thin across the grain
  • 1teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 4garlic cloves, minced
  • pounds carrots, peeled and sliced thin (about 4 cups sliced)
  • 1tablespoon tomato paste dissolved in 1 cup water
  • 1teaspoon sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • ½cup chopped fresh mint
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

255 calories; 10 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 7 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 35 grams carbohydrates; 8 grams dietary fiber; 8 grams sugars; 10 grams protein; 689 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine the lentils with 3 cups water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Set a strainer over a bowl, and drain.

  2. Step 2

    Heat the oil over medium heat in a heavy casserole or skillet. Add the onion and coriander seeds. Cook, stirring, until the onion is tender, about five minutes. Add the garlic and carrots and salt to taste. Cook, stirring, for two to three minutes until the carrots begin to soften. Stir in the dissolved tomato paste, sugar and lentils. Add 1 to 1½ cups of the cooking water from the lentils (enough to cover the lentils), salt to taste and half the mint. Bring to a simmer, and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the lentils are tender and much of the liquid has evaporated. Taste and adjust salt. Remove from the heat, sprinkle on the remaining mint and serve, or allow to cool and serve at room temperature with cooked whole grains, like bulgur or quinoa.

Tip
  • Advance preparation: This will keep for three to four days in the refrigerator. The dish is delicious served at room temperature.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
849 user ratings
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Comments

No-one will see this, but: I LOVED this and will make it again and again. It does not need the sugar. Don't even think of adding it. And halve the oil if you are at all fat- or calorie-conscious. Not necessary at all. I have long used coriander seeds in my lentils, and cherished them for the little surprise hit of flavor. But my lentils always tasted muddy. Who knew they just needed more carrots than I thought necessary plus the acidity of some tomato paste? Great recipe.

Delicious!!! I used green lentils, which were just beautiful with the carrots. I skipped the sugar and salt and added less garlic, but otherwise followed the recipe and it worked perfectly for me. Please don't skip the whole coriander seeds and fresh mint--they make the flavor so complex (and if I could find them at my local grocery store, so can you). I did substitute 1 1/2 lbs of pre-washed, crinkle-cut carrot slices to save on the prep time on a weeknight.

Both my husband and a frequent dinner guest thought this was excellent and suggested it be added to the regular rotation. I used black lentils and the only change I made was to substitute 3/4 teaspoon of ground coriander in place of coriander seeds.

This has been in my rotation for a while now. French green lentils work well. A recent batch, made in mid-winter, surprisingly DID need the sugar (never before) and a bit more tomato paste; perhaps the carrots were less sweet to start with. Subbing red onion for the white is delicious. Generous amounts of fresh cilantro can be subbed for the mint. Finishing the dish with a bit of lemon juice helps if brightening is needed.

This is GREAT. Delicious right after it's made, delicious the next day served at room temp. I WILL FEED ALL OF THE GRADUATE STUDENTS WITH THIS RECIPE. I didn't have mint so have decided today is the day to start herb seeds in the basement. This recipe is holy!

It was kinda bland. Instead of white sugar I used cane sugar. If I make it again, I’ll add more coriander and garlic.

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