Lentil Stew with Dumplings Caribbean Style
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Are you craving a warm, savory stew that’s hearty and light? Look no further! Our Caribbean-style Lentil Stew with Dumplings is the perfect dish to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, this vegan delight will become a favorite on cold winter days or any time you need a nourishing meal. Join us as we dive into the culinary delights of the Caribbean and learn how to whip up this delicious creation right in your kitchen!
So, how do we make this amazing vegan stew? Follow the simple steps below to bring a taste of the Caribbean to your table!
Step 1: Infuse the Broth with Flavor
The secret to a flavorful lentil stew is infusing the broth with a medley of aromatic spices and seasonings. Start by heating avocado oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Once hot, add diced onion and sauté until translucent. Next, add diced bell pepper, minced garlic, sliced shallot, chopped scotch bonnet pepper (or habanero pepper for less heat), chopped scallions, and thyme sprigs to the pot. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Then, add diced tomato, carrot, salt, black pepper, and turmeric powder to the pot. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Lentils and Simmer
Once the vegetables are sautéed, add prepared lentils to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables and spices. Pour in unsalted chicken stock (or vegetable broth) and stir to ensure everything is well-mixed. Let the stew simmer over low-medium heat for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Dumplings
While the stew is simmering, let’s prepare the dumplings. In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour and salt. Add enough water to the flour mixture to form a soft dough. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes. Then, pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them between your palms to make small, round dumplings.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
After the stew has simmered for 45 minutes, gently drop the prepared dumplings into the pot. Let them boil in the stew for 15 to 20 minutes until fully cooked and fluffy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before turning off the heat, stir in the chopped cilantro to add a burst of fresh flavor to the stew. Serve the Caribbean-inspired lentil stew with dumplings piping hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or scallions for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Step 6: Enjoy a Hearty Vegan Meal!
With its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, our Caribbean-style Lentil Stew with Dumplings will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or hosting a gathering with friends and family, this hearty vegan dish is bound to impress. So, why not transport your taste buds to the tropics with this recipe? Your palate will thank you! Happy Eating!
Caribbean Style Lentil Stew with Dumplings
Ingredients
- 2 cups lentils you can presoak or not depending on the brand
- 8 cups chicken stock, unsalted
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks scallion, chopped
- 1 small shallot, sliced
- 1 small scotch bonnet pepper, deseeded and diced can substitute with habanero pepper
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp avocado oil can use any cooking oil
- 1 dash black pepper
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
Dumplings Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Add avocado oil to a deep pot over medium heat.
- Add onion to oil and saute until translucent.
- Add, bell pepper, garlic, shallot, scotch bonnet pepper, scallions, and thyme to the pot and stir saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, diced carrots and spices to the pot. Stir well.
- Add prepared lentils to the pot and stir to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Add chicken stock to the pot and stir. Let simmer over low-medium heat for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, add prepared dumplings to the pot and cook for 15 to 20 more minutes.
- Stir in chopped cilantro to the stew 5 minutes before turning off the heat.
To Make Dumplings
- Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
- Add enough water to the flour to make a soft dough. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Pinch off pieces of dough and roll between palms to form small, round dumplings.
- Drop dumplings into the lentil stew and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until they're fully cooked.