Anti Inflammatory Harissa-Orange Red Lentils with Spinach
This deeply satisfying one-pot dish brings together red lentils, harissa paste, and a warm trio of cumin, turmeric, and coriander — a lineup that reads like a greatest-hits list of ingredients celebrated for their anti-inflammatory properties. The lentils simmer low and slow until they break down into a thick, almost porridge-like stew, making every spoonful rich and hearty without any heaviness. A finishing hit of fresh orange zest and juice lifts the whole pot with brightness, balancing the smoky heat of the harissa in a way that feels genuinely clever. Baby spinach gets stirred in at the end, wilting gently into the stew and adding even more plant-powered goodness to each bowl. Extra virgin olive oil forms the base, which means you're building flavor from the very first step with an ingredient that fits naturally into an inflammation-conscious way of eating. The whole thing comes together in one pan and serves four, making it an easy weeknight option that doesn't feel like a compromise. Finish with cilantro and a squeeze of lemon and you've got a bowl that's as vibrant to look at as it is to eat.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 3 cups baby spinach, loosely packed
- salt and pepper, to taste
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 6–7 minutes.
- 2
Add the garlic, cumin, turmeric, and coriander and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Watch closely so the garlic does not brown.
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