Rustic Lentil Stew

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp each cinnamon, cumin, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional)
• 2 pods cardamom, ground
• 4 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup green or black dried lentils
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
• 3 cups chopped greens
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. 1Heat oil on medium-low in a large pot. Add spices and warm for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. 2Add 1 cup of the water or broth and turn heat up slightly to medium.
3. 3Add bell pepper, red onion, carrot, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
4. 4Add lentils and tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes until lentils are soft.
5. 5Add greens, squeezed lemon, and salt. Taste and season. Use an immersion blender briefly if you'd like a more uniform texture.
6. 6Serve over rice or with bread for dipping.