Hearty Lentil Stew with Poff and Marinara Sauce Recipe

Warm and comforting, a Hearty Lentil Stew with Poff and Marinara Sauce is a perfect dish for any occasion. This recipe combines protein-packed lentils, vibrant vegetables, and a rich marinara sauce, all served with fluffy, golden poff (Nigerian puff-puff), resulting in a meal that is both filling and satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Hearty Lentil Stew

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

For the Marinara Sauce

• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Poff

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm water
• Oil, for frying

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hearty Lentil Stew

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the diced carrots, bell pepper, and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Stir in the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth if the stew gets too thick.

Step 2: Make the Marinara Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Prepare the Poff

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, use a spoon to scoop out small balls of dough and carefully drop them into the oil.
5. Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Serve

1. Ladle the hearty lentil stew into bowls, drizzling with the marinara sauce.
2. Serve with warm poff on the side, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Cooking Tips

• Ingredient Selection: Choose fresh, vibrant vegetables for the stew to enhance flavor and nutrition.
• Lentil Varieties: While green and brown lentils work well, you can also try red lentils for a quicker cooking time.
• Poff Variations: For a twist, add spices like nutmeg or cinnamon to the poff dough for extra flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: Feel free to add red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of red wine for depth.

Pairing Suggestions

This Hearty Lentil Stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a glass of your favorite red wine.

Further Exploration

For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, consider checking out these resources:

• The Benefits of Cooking with Lentils
• Perfecting Your Poff Recipe

Experimenting with flavors and textures can be a delightful journey in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to make substitutions to suit your taste or dietary restrictions. Enjoy this wholesome dish, and don’t forget to share your culinary creations!