Middle Eastern Lentil Chickpea (Printable)

A vibrant, aromatic blend of lentils, chickpeas, and spices creating a comforting Middle Eastern stew.

# What You'll Need:

→ Legumes

01 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
02 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 2 medium carrots, diced
07 - 2 celery stalks, diced

→ Spices & Seasonings

08 - 1 ½ teaspoons ground sumac
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - ½ teaspoon ground coriander
11 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
13 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
14 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Liquids

15 - 4 cups vegetable broth
16 - 1 cup water
17 - Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)

→ Fresh Herbs & Garnish

18 - ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
19 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
02 - Add garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Stir in sumac, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add lentils, chickpeas, vegetable broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
05 - Stir in lemon juice and half the parsley. Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed, then serve garnished with remaining parsley and lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sumac transforms ordinary legumes into something with personality and brightness that doesn't fade as it cools.
  • It's the kind of stew that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep without tasting like leftovers.
  • You'll feel full and genuinely satisfied without that heavy, sluggish feeling—just clean, good fuel.
02 -
  • Don't skip the onion-softening step; rushing it means your stew tastes flat no matter what else you do right.
  • Sumac is tangy but not sour—if you can't find it, use the zest of a lemon stirred through at the end, though it's different and worth seeking out.
  • The lentils will continue to soften as they cool, so pull them off the heat while they still have a tiny bit of firmness.
03 -
  • Buy your sumac from a spice shop or international market rather than the grocery store bulk section—the flavor is more vibrant and it stays fresher longer.
  • If your lentils are old, they'll take longer to soften, so keep tasting them around the 20-minute mark rather than blindly following the timer.
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