the_information_nexus/docs/food_related/Slow Cooker Lentil & Chickpea Curry.md

Slow Cooker Lentil & Chickpea Curry

Ingredients:

• Legumes:
  • 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed, soaked overnight, and drained
  • ½ to ⅔ cup dry chickpeas, rinsed, soaked overnight, and drained
• Veggies:
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large tomatoes, chopped (or a 14 oz can of diced tomatoes)
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch ginger, minced or grated
• Liquid:
  • 2 to 2½ cups vegetable or chicken broth (you might need a bit more due to the soaked legumes)
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• Seasonings/Spices:
  • 2 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Finish:
  • Juice of ½ lemon or lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toasting Spices: (Optional but recommended) In a small pan, toast curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
2. Layering in Slow Cooker: Begin by placing onions, tomatoes, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger at the bottom.
3. Spread the overnight-soaked and drained lentils and chickpeas over the veggies.
4. Sprinkle all the toasted spices (from step 1) along with salt and pepper over the legumes.
5. Pour in the broth, making sure the legumes are submerged. Pour the coconut milk on top without stirring it in.
6. Cook on LOW for 7-9 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until lentils and chickpeas are tender.
7. Before serving, stir in the lemon or lime juice for brightness and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro when serving.

Tips:

• Texture: For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the curry with an immersion blender and then mix it back in.
• Accompaniment: Serve this curry with naan bread, flatbread, or rice.
• Storage: The curry stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and often tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
• Spice Levels: Adjust the chili powder to suit your heat preference.

Relish the deep flavors and heartwarming vibes of this Slow Cooker Lentil & Chickpea Curry!