North African Lentil Stew

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp. each: coriander and cumin
• 3/4 tsp. each: salt and pepper
• 1/4 plus 1/8 tsp. allspice
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth, divided
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 lb. dried brown lentils, picked over and rinsed
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups seeded, peeled and chopped butternut squash
• 1 medium turnip, peeled and chopped
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• TIP: Spices can lose their punch after a long simmer in the slow cooker. This recipe adds some at the beginning and some at the end for maximum flavor.
• TIP: The stew can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Instructions

1. Stir together paprika, coriander, cumin, salt, pepper and allspice in small bowl. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes or until soft, stirring often. Add garlic and 1 1/2 tbsp. of spice mixture and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant, stirring constantly. Add 1 cup broth and tomato paste and bring to a boil, stirring to scrape up browned bits from bottom of skillet. Transfer to a 4- or 5- quart slow cooker.
3. Add remaining broth, lentils, carrots, squash and turnip. Cook, covered, on LOW for 8 hours or until lentils are tender.
4. Stir in lemon juice and remaining spice mixture. Ladle stew evenly into 8 bowls and top evenly with yogurt. Sprinkle with cilantro.