Curried Lentils with Winter Squash

By Mitch Samples

 

2 Tbs Olive Oil

1 medium Onion, diced

1 clove garlic

2 Tbs Brown Sugar

2 Tbs Vinegar of choice

2 stalks of Celery, diced

1 small winter squash, cubed

2 Carrots, diced

1 ½ C Lentils

2 Tbs Garam Masala

4 C Water or Chicken Stock

Salt and Pepper to taste

 

Procedure:

• Preheat pan on stove to high heat.
• Add diced onions to dry hot pan and sauté until they begin to brown.
• Add half the oil and all the sugar to the onions and caramelize them.
• Add vinegar and reduce until nearly dry.
• Add the remaining oil, celery, carrots and squash and sauté for a few minutes.
• Add the lentils and the Garam Masala, and stir well and cook for a few minutes longer
• Add the water or stock, bring to a simmer and cook for ½ hour to 1 hour until lentils are soft
• Season with Salt and Pepper.

 

Notes:

• It can be nice to finish this with a little sour or heavy cream.
• Add spinach or greens to brighten it up.
• You can buy the garam masala at the grocer or make your own. See below.

 

Simple Garam Masala Recipe:

 

2 tsp turmeric

2 tsp cumin

1 ½ tsp cardamom

1 tsp cinnamon

1 pc star anise or 1 tsp fennel

1 bay leaf

1 tsp black pepper

½ tsp clove

½ tsp nutmeg

 

Procedure:

• If spices are already ground just mix them all together, otherwise place all ingredients in a spice mixer or small food processor and blend until powered.

 

Notes:

This is a very individual blend so mix, match, add and subtract as you see fit.

 

 

Caryfarmersmarket.com 

Email questions to mtsamples@gmail.com