Fukharit' adas - Lentil stew from Gaza with cumin and fennel seeds

 

Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day

Teach a man to fish and he'll empty the seas and we'll all die by 2050.

Teach a man to cook lentils

I make a few lentil stews, see elsewhere on the blog, and this is really good spiced with chilli, it packs flavour and punch. So in some olive oil soften a chopped onion, add pieces of carrot and potato, throw in some dried chillies, stir about, then add a tablespoon of cumin seeds and the same of fennel seeds, stir about for a few more minutes, enjoying the fab aroma. Then add brown lentils (I rinse them first) and enough water to more than cover, keep an eye on it.

Simmer gently till all is cooked, about twenty five minutes, season heavily, add a little more olive oil to finish and serve with some rustic bread. Other variations include red peppers and garlic.