====== Cozy Italian Lentil Stew ======


===== Ingredients =====
**Veggies**
  * 1 Medium onion, diced
  * 3 Bell pepper, diced small 
  * 2 Medium potatoes, diced small
  * Optional: Celery or carrot (if you want a classic mirepoix)
**Seasonings**
  * 1 Tbsp coriander seeds, ground
  * 1 Tbsp fennel seeds, ground
  * ¾ Tsp anise seeds, ground
  * 1 Tsp white peppercorns, ground
  * 2 Bay leaves
  * 6 Cloves garlic, sliced
  * 1 Lemon, zest and juice
  * Pinch dried chili flakes, ground
**Stew Base**
  * 3 Tbsp tomato paste
  * 1 Cup French green lentils (rinsed well )
  * 1 Can crushed tomatoes (no salt added)
  * 4 Cups water ( add extra if needed)
  * 2 Bay leaves
  * 1 Tbsp Vegetable bouillon paste (instead of salt)
  * Salt and black pepper to taste
  * 1 Tsp smoked paprika
  * 1 Handful Fresh parsley, chopped
  * Salt and black pepper to taste
**Toppings**
  * Baked tofu
    * Bake at 400 for 30 minutes. Season with a pork rub and olive oil.
  * Sauteed collard greens or kale
    * Blanche in boiled water for 3 minutes. 
    * Strain and hold.
    * Saute with sliced garlic, salt, and oil for a few minutes.
  * Feta
  * Diced red onion
  * Fresh Parsley

===== Instructions =====

  - Dice onions, peppers, and potatoes 
  - In a mortar and pestle, crush coriander, fennel, anise, white peppercorns, and chili flakes until coarse.
  - Add the sliced garlic and lemon zest. Pound again into a fragrant paste.
  - Heat olive oil over medium-high and add 3 tbsp tomato paste. Cook until it starts to darken and caramelizes. Add the spice paste and fry briefly to bloom the aromatics.
  - Add all diced vegetables to the pot. Stir to coat in the tomato-spice mixture and cook until they soften.
  - Stir in rinsed French green lentils.
  - Add crushed tomatoes, 4 cups water, lemon juice, bay leaves, and potatoes.
  - Bring to a simmer
  - Lower heat to medium-low and simmer until lentils and potatoes are tender.
  - Add more water if it thickens too quickly.
  - Season and finish
  - Taste. Add veggie Boullion.
  - Add smoked paprika, adjust salt and pepper, and finish with fresh parsley.

Notes: 
Don't forget about the toppings, i show a few combinations but do, make it your own here.

source: https://youtu.be/a3wKB9coGwU?si=FtxwoQ-qM6y9LrRR