Kenyan Lentil Stew (Kuku Paka Variation) with Quinoa

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Red lentils
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 large Onion
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 2 teaspoons Ginger
• 2 tablespoons Curry powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric
• 1 can Diced tomatoes
• 1 can Coconut milk
• 1 cup Vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 cup Quinoa
• 2 cups Water

Instructions

1. 1Rinse the 1.5 cups of red lentils in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear.
2. 2In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add the 1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the 4 cloves of garlic, minced, and the 2 teaspoons of ginger, grated or minced, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, stirring constantly.
3. 3Stir in the 2 tablespoons of curry powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 0.5 teaspoon of turmeric. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
4. 4Pour in the 1 can of diced tomatoes (undrained), the 1 can of coconut milk, and the 1 cup of vegetable broth. Add the rinsed 1.5 cups of red lentils. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C).
5. 5Once simmering, reduce the heat to low (250°F / 120°C), cover the pot tightly, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the 1.5 cups of red lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. 6While the lentil stew is simmering, prepare the 1 cup of quinoa. In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup of quinoa and the 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat (425°F / 220°C), then reduce the heat to low (200°F / 95°C), cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Let it stand, covered, off the heat for 5 minutes.
7. 7Stir the 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper into the lentil stew. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. 8Serve the Kenyan lentil stew hot over the prepared 1 cup of quinoa.

Related Guides