Spiced Carrots Over Lentils With Yogurt

This isn't so much of a recipe but more of a method. The carrots are tossed with a little oil and spices and roasted in the oven until caramelized and sweet. I served them over some delicious lentils that only required a few ingredients. A scoop of yogurt, a squeeze of lemon juice, and voila! Simplicity at its best. After a day of testing/tasting many recipes, this simple meal was seriously excellent. Be aware of how basic it is; there's a ton of flavor and minimal effort. Major win!

Ingredients

• 1 pound carrots, scrubbed clean and sliced in half lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Sprinkle of salt
• 1 cup green lentils
• 1 clove of garlic, peeled
• 1/2 of a yellow onion, cut into 2-3 large chunks
• 1 bay leaf
• Yogurt for serving
• Fresh lemon juice for serving
• Salt and pepper for serving

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures the carrots roast nicely, becoming tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Prepare and Roast the Carrots
   Toss the scrubbed and halved carrots with olive oil, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt in a large bowl. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet. This helps them roast evenly. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping the carrots halfway through to ensure they brown evenly. The carrots are done when they are tender and golden.
3. Cook the Lentils
   While the carrots are roasting, rinse the lentils under cold water and discard any pebbles or debris. Place the lentils in a pot with the peeled garlic clove, large onion chunks, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt. Cover with cold water, ensuring the water is about 1 inch above the lentils. Cover the pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the lentils are tender, about 25-30 minutes. Check the lentils occasionally and add more water to keep them covered if necessary.
4. Finish the Lentils
   Once the lentils are tender, discard the garlic, onion, and bay leaf. These were added for flavor but are not meant to be eaten. Drain any excess water from the lentils if needed.
5. Assemble the Dish
   Divide the cooked lentils between plates. Top with the roasted carrots. Add a generous scoop of plain yogurt to the lentils and carrots. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish for a bright, tangy finish. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve
   Serve the spiced carrots over lentils with yogurt warm or at room temperature. This dish pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Additional Tips

• Variations: Feel free to switch up the spices on the carrots or add other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes to the mix.
• Protein Boost: For additional protein, consider adding a poached egg on top or mixing in some cooked chickpeas with the lentils.
• Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
• Make Ahead: Both the roasted carrots and cooked lentils can be made ahead of time. Assemble the dish just before serving.

Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish of spiced carrots over lentils with yogurt, which is perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal!