Spiced Sweet Potato & Lentil Tagine with Apricots

🌍 About This Dish

A tagine is both a North African clay cooking vessel and a method of slow simmering savory stews with layers of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. This vegan twist is rich with Moroccan-style spices, soft chunks of sweet potato, protein-rich lentils, and pops of tangy apricot.

It’s deeply comforting, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for make-ahead meals.

🛒 Ingredients

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Difficulty: Moderate

| 🧄 | 2 tablespoons olive oil
| 🧅 | 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
| 🧄 | 3 cloves garlic, minced
| 🥄 | 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
| 🌶️ | 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
| 🧂 | ½ teaspoon cinnamon
| 🔥 | Pinch of cayenne or chili flakes (optional)
| 🥔 | 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
| 🥫 | 1 cup dried red lentils (or 1½ cups canned, rinsed)
| 🍅 | 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
| 💧 | 3 cups vegetable broth
| 🌾 | ¼ cup dried apricots, chopped
| 🍋 | Juice of ½ lemon
| 🌿 | ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
| 🧂 | Salt & pepper to taste

🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook 5–6 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne (if using).
4. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Simmer the Tagine

1. Add sweet potatoes, red lentils, diced tomatoes, and broth.
2. Bring to a simmer. Stir in apricots.
3. Cover and cook on low for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. If the lentils absorb too much liquid, add more broth or water.
5. Once lentils and potatoes are soft, stir in lemon juice and season to taste.

Step 3: Serve & Garnish

1. Spoon stew into bowls.
2. Top with fresh parsley or cilantro.
3. Serve with warm flatbread, couscous, or a simple salad.

🧠 Tips & Substitutions

• 🥬 Add kale or spinach in the last 5 minutes for extra greens
• 🧄 Add a spoon of harissa or chili oil for a spicy version
• 🍯 Stir in a drizzle of honey for a sweeter finish
• 🍋 Swap lemon for preserved lemon for extra tang

❓ FAQ

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Q: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I use brown lentils?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 10–15 minutes and add more liquid as needed.