In The Kitchen: Trini-Style Stewed Lentils

🔥 A bold, hearty dish full of island spice! 🔥

This dish is packed with flavors that will dance on your taste buds! Lentils are simmered in a fragrant stew of tomatoes, herbs, and spices—each bite brings the perfect balance of heat, umami, and savory goodness. This one is a hit every time.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried lentils (rinsed)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional, whole)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

• 1 teaspoon curry powder

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 4 cups water (or vegetable broth for added flavor)

Instructions

Cook the lentils

In a large pot, add the lentils and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain the excess water and set aside.

Sauté the aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Add the spices & tomato paste

Stir in the cumin powder, curry powder, turmeric, paprika, and tomato paste. Allow the spices to toast for 2-3 minutes to release their full flavor. This step is key to bringing out the depth of flavor in your stew.

Simmer the tomatoes & lentils

Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), thyme, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Let this simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and the flavors to meld.

Finish it off

Now, add the cooked lentils to the pot, along with an additional 1 cup of water or vegetable broth. Stir to mix everything together, cover, and simmer for 15 more minutes until thickened. If you prefer a soupier stew, feel free to add more liquid!

Serve & Savor

Remove the whole scotch bonnet pepper (unless you want extra heat!). Serve the stewed lentil beans over rice or with roti, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Hope your enjoy!