Vegan Lentil Sweet Potato Tagine
This vegan lentil sweet potato tagine evokes the voluptuous flavors of Morocco, with a tantalizing interplay of sweet, spicy, salty, tangy and savory. Serve it over a bed of couscous or quinoa for a cozy, nutrient-rich meal!
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Total Time40 minutes mins
Course: Main Course/Stew
Cuisine: African, North African
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 143kcal
- ½ cup dried brown lentils (or one 14-oz can of brown lentils)
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium red onions (thinly sliced)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 medium tomatoes (diced)
- 1 heaping tbsp tomato paste
- 1 large sweet potato (cut in ⅓-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped, for garnish)
If using dried lentils, place lentils in a saucepan, cover with two inches of water and bring to a boil. Lower heat to a simmer and let the lentils cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Strain the lentils before using, but reserve the cooking water.
Place the onions and garlic in olive oil in a large saute pan or Dutch oven. Add a pinch of salt and ground black pepper. Saute over medium heat until onions soften, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the spices to the pot: ground cumin, turmeric, cayenne, paprika, ground cardamom and ground allspice. Mix and saute for another minute or until the spices are very aromatic.
Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste.
Add the sweet potatoes and drained, cooked or canned lentils to the pot along with 1 ½ cups of the lentil cooking liquid or vegetable broth or water.
Mix and bring the tagine to a boil over medium heat. Cover the pot, turn heat down, and let the tagine simmer until the sweet potatoes are very tender, about 15 minutes.
Check for salt and add more if needed. Sprinkle parsley over the tagine. Serve hot or warm.
Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Potassium: 544mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 8743IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 2mg