JAMAICAN LENTIL STEW WITH COCONUT

Steps:

• Make a thick paste by mashing ginger and garlic together using a pestle and mortar or a small bowl and the heel of a wooden spoon.
• Heat vegetable oil over medium heat in a large saucepan, add the onion and saute until transparent.
• Add the garlic ginger paste and saute another 2 minutes until fragrant; lower heat and stir constantly to avoid burning the paste.
• Add the spices and saute for a minute more.
• Stir in the coconut milk, stock, lentils, sweet potato and pumpkin puree.
• Simmer over medium - low heat for 40 - 50 minutes or until sweet potato is soft and almost melting into the stew. Be sure to stir occasionaly.
• Before serving, stir in the red curry paste if you are using it or adjust seasoning with black pepper.
• NOTE: The stew has a creamy texture and is thick with lentils, sweet potato and pumpkin that melt into a delictable base. If you prefer a lighter soup then add more stock to thin the base, or try adding more cocount milk for a very savory and unique taste.