This heartwarming stew is the epitome of comfort food with a spicy twist. Every spoonful is a delightful journey, where the rich textures of chickpeas and lentils blend seamlessly with the fiery warmth of chili peppers. Enhanced with a touch of coconut and the zesty brightness of lemon, this stew promises a symphony of flavors in every bite. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a nourishing everyday meal, the Chili Chickpea & Lentil Stew is a culinary masterpiece that celebrates the beauty of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. It’s not just a dish, but a comforting embrace in a bowl.
Why we love
Chili Chickpea & Lentil Stew
The Chili Chickpea & Lentil Stew is more than just a dish—it’s a flavorful voyage. With each spoonful, you’re greeted with the earthy richness of lentils, the hearty embrace of chickpeas, and a delightful kick of spice. This stew encapsulates the magic that happens when humble ingredients dance together in perfect harmony. A culinary delight that’s both soul-soothing and palate-pleasing, it’s no wonder we find ourselves irresistibly drawn to its charm. This recipe isn’t just food; it’s an experience of warmth and love in every bite.
About Chili
Chilies, vibrant and fiery, are nature’s way of adding a touch of excitement to our palates. Hailing from the Capsicum family, these potent little peppers have been cherished for centuries, not just for their piquant flavors but also for their myriad health benefits. With a spectrum that ranges from mild bell peppers to the tear-inducing Carolina Reaper, there’s a chili out there for everyone, ensuring dishes can be as mild or as fiery as one’s heart desires.
6 Health Benefits of Eating Chili:
- Boosts Metabolism: Capsaicin, the compound that gives chilies their heat, can increase metabolism, potentially aiding in weight loss by increasing the rate at which the body burns calories.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Chilies are packed with vitamins, especially Vitamin C and Vitamin A. These antioxidants can help fight free radicals in the body, supporting overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Pain Relief: Capsaicin is also known to act as a natural pain reliever. It can reduce the amount of substance P, a neuropeptide responsible for pain. Thus potentially alleviating pain caused by various conditions.
- Promotes Digestive Health: Contrary to popular belief, chilies can actually help in promoting digestive health. By reducing the risk of stomach ulcers and effectively killing harmful bacteria in the stomach.
- Supports Heart Health: The capsaicin in chilies can help in reducing cholesterol levels. Preventing the clotting of blood, and improving overall heart function, potentially leading to a healthier cardiovascular system.
- Improves Mood: Eating chilies can lead to the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. This can help in elevating mood and even provide a temporary relief from feelings of depression or sadness.
Chili Chickpea & Lentil Stew
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Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegan butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Red chili peppers, sliced (amount varies based on your heat preference)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp red pepper powder
- 1 tbsp tomato puree or passata (tomato mark)
- 1 can chickpeas (approx. 400g), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups water
- 1 can coconut milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 scallions (spring onions), sliced
- Cooked rice or bread, for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep pan, melt the vegan butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
- Once melted, add the sliced red onion. Sauté until the onion starts to become translucent.
- Add the thinly sliced garlic cloves and sliced red chili peppers. Continue sautéing for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper powder. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the tomato puree and mix well, ensuring the onions and garlic are fully coated.
- Add the chickpeas and red lentils to the pot. Mix thoroughly with the tomato mixture.
- Pour in the water and coconut milk, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle the lemon zest over the top of the mixture.
- Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.
- Allow the stew to simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has reduced and the lentils are tender, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Once done, adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Transfer the stew to serving bowls. Top with sliced scallions.
- Serve hot with rice or bread on the side.
- Enjoy your meal!
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