Tag Archives: cumin

Warming Lentil Stew

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Yields: 4 people

Ingredients:
1 medium onion, chopped 2 parsnips or carrots, chopped 1 tablespoon sesame or olive oil
1 cup red lentils, washed
5 cups water
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon sea salt
Chopped parsley or scallion for garnish

Directions:
1. Heat oil in a pot and sauté onion and parsnip for 10 minutes.
2. Add washed lentils and water and bring to a boil.
3. Skim off the foam. Lower the heat, add cumin and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
4. Add the lemon juice and salt. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve in individual bowls and garnish with parsley or scallion

Mint Lassi

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Yields: 2 people

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Dash of black pepper
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups water

Directions:
1. In a skillet, dry roast cumin and black pepper.
2. Stir frequently, until the aroma is released.
3. Combine cumin and pepper, along with all the other ingredients, into a blender.
4. Mix at high speed until mint leaves are well blended.
5. Serve.

Notes:
This is a drink used in Indian culture to aid in digestion. Traditionally they use black salt which can be found in Indian food markets.
• For a different taste ground cardamom or ground fennel in place of the cumin.
• Try different types of yogurt: cow, sheep, goat or soy.

Barley with Toasted Cumin and Mint

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Yields: 6 people

Ingredients:
1 cup barley
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
3/4 teaspoons cumin seeds
1/2 bunch fresh mint, chopped
1/2 small red onion, chopped
2 tablespoons lemons juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions:
1. Wash grains. Bring water to boil.
2. Add barley, salt and turmeric.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 45 minutes or until grains are cooked and water is absorbed.
4. Fluff with a fork and let sit covered for 10 minutes.
5. Toast the cumin seeds in a dry skillet until they turn golden brown and their aroma comes out, about 3 minutes.
6. Transfer grains to a large bowl, add remaining ingredients and mix gently.