Coconut Lentils (Akoho Sy Voanio)

★★☆☆☆
Prep: 15 mins Cook: 45 mins Serves: 4-8

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
  • 3 plum tomatoes, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 pound dried red lentils (about 1 1/4 cups), rinsed and drained
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
  • Steamed white rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden, 8-10 minutes.
  2. Add tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and turmeric; cook, stirring often, until tomatoes break down, 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add lentils, water, coconut milk, salt, lemon zest and juice, pepper, and cayenne. Bring to simmer, reduce heat to low, cover. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender, 20-30 minutes.
  4. Season to taste. Garnish with parsley and pepper. Serve with steamed rice.
Wine Pairing: Aromatic White