Spicy Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe

Discover the magic of lentils in a new avatar with our Spicy Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry! This dish masterfully marries the earthy richness of lentils with the freshness of vibrant vegetables, all tied together with a kick of spice. Ideal for those who love a bit of heat and a lot of flavor, this stir-fry is a culinary delight that promises both nutrition and taste. With this fantastic dish, you will feel confident to do more with lentils than a simple lentil vegetable soup.

Ingredients

• Cooked lentils – 1 cup (green or brown work best)
• Mixed vegetables – 2 cups (like carrots, snap peas, bell peppers, and broccoli)
• Sesame Oil – 2 tbsp (or you can also use olive oil if you enjoy it so much)
• Garlic – 3 cloves (minced)
• Ginger – 1 inch (finely grated)
• Green onions – 2 (thinly sliced and separate the white and green parts)
• Soy sauce – 1-2 tbsp (tamari is also a good choice)
• Chili sauce – 1 tbsp (or sriracha, so adjust based on desired heat)
• Sesame seeds – 1 tsp toasted (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro or basil (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Prep Vegetables – Ensure all your vegetables are washed, peeled if necessary, and thinly sliced or julienned for quick cooking, just like you would for a lentil vegetable soup. 

Sauté Base Ingredients – Start by heating your choice of oil with just medium heat before adding ingredients to a large skillet or wok. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.

Add Vegetables – Toss in the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until they're tender yet still crunchy.

Spice It Up – Pour in soy sauce, tamari, chili sauce, or sriracha. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly.

Incorporate Lentils – Add the cooked lentils to the skillet or wok. Mix thoroughly, ensuring the lentils are well-integrated and heated through.

Garnish and Serve – Transfer the stir-fry to serving dishes once everything is well-combined and heated. Garnish with the green portion of added green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh herbs if using. Serve immediately.

The Spicy Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry is a testament to the versatility of lentils. This dish is more than just a stir-fry; it's a delightful melange of flavors, textures, and colors. The spices' heat, the heartiness of lentils, and the crunch of fresh veggies create a satisfying and memorable dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this stir-fry is sure to spice up your culinary repertoire!