Smoky Tomato Red Lentil Stew with Coconut and Spinach

Backstory: A cozy, flavorful stew that marries bright tomatoes, smoky spices, and creamy coconut — hearty enough as a main or ladled over rice.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or 1 tbsp water for oil-free)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup light coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water (low-salt if needed)
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 3 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2–1 tsp mild chili flakes or to taste (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lemon or lime
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Cooked rice, flatbread, or quinoa to serve

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat (or use 1–2 tbsp water, adding more as needed). Add onion and a pinch of salt; cook 6–8 minutes until softened and beginning to brown.
2. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute until fragrant and tomato paste darkens slightly.
3. Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili flakes; toast spices 30 seconds.
4. Add diced carrot, crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the pot.
5. Add rinsed lentils, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, 18–22 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and stew has thickened. Add more broth/water if it becomes too thick.
6. Stir in spinach until wilted (if frozen, cook an extra 2–3 minutes). Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to brighten.
7. Serve hot over rice or with flatbread. Garnish with cilantro/parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon.

Flavor profile: Smoky and savory from smoked paprika and toasted spices, brightened by lemon, rounded and creamy from coconut milk, with fresh herb lift.

Another beautiful plant-based creation. Publish this one so other plant lovers can find it!