Za'atar Carrots and Lentils

Sep 5, 2026

A vibrant Middle Eastern–inspired dish featuring sweet, colorful carrots roasted or sautéed with maple syrup and za’atar, then paired with simmered French lentils seasoned through tomato paste, low-sodium vegetable broth, fresh thyme, olives, raisins, and lemon zest. Step-by-step cooking instructions cover preparing the carrots, simmering the lentils until tender, and combining everything for a warm, cohesive flavor profile. Includes a tip for making a salt-free za’atar seasoning and serving suggestions as a main or side.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

Ingredients

Carrots and lentils mixture

Seasonings and add-ins

Preparation steps

Cook carrots and glaze

Simmer lentils with broth and tomato paste

Combine with olives, raisins, and lemon

Serving ideas and seasoning tip

Makes 9 cups Preparation Time: 35 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes INGREDIENTS: 1 lb . multicolor baby carrots, peeled, trimmed, and halved lengthwise 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup 2 teaspoons salt-free za’atar seasoning 1⅔ cups dry French lentils, rinsed and drained 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth ½ cup chopped onion 2 tablespoons no-salt-added tomato paste 2 sprigs fresh thyme ¾ cup pitted Castelvet rano olives, coarsely chopped ¼ cup golden raisins ¼ cup chopped garlic scapes or scallions 1 teaspoon lemon zest Lemon wedges Za'atar Carrots and Lentils Sweet, colorful carrots tinged with the warming tones of za’atar seasoning stand front and center in this delicious dish brimming with Middle Eastern flavors. A hefty base of earthy lentils simmered with tomato paste, veggie broth, and fresh thyme perfectly complement the tender carrots. Plump raisins and salty olives add depth to the lentils, while lemon juice and zest tie everything together. Served as a main or a side, this vibrant dish is more than the sum of its parts! Tip: To make your own salt-free za’atar seasoning, combine 1 tablespoon each ground sumac and ground dried thyme with 1 teaspoon each sesame seeds and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be surprised if you start adding it to all kinds of dishes! For more inspiration, check out these tasty ideas: Za’atar-Spiced Flatbreads (Manakeesh) Middle Eastern Red Rice Pilaf Shawarma Sweet Potato-Quinoa Bowl Middle Eastern Pita Pocket Sandwiches By Ellen Boeke 1 In an extra-large nonstick skillet combine carrots, maple syrup, za’atar seasoning, and ¼ cup water. Cover and cook over medium 14 to 16 minutes or until carrots are tender. Uncover; cook 1 minute more or until carrots are glazed and golden, stirring occasionally. Remove carrots from skillet. 2 In the same skillet combine the lentils and the next four ingredients (through thyme) plus 1½ cups water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 25 to 30 minutes or until lentils are tender. Remove and discard thyme. 3 Stir in olives, raisins, garlic scapes, and lemon zest. Place carrotson top. Cover and heat through. If you like, sprinkle with additional za’atar seasoning. Serve with lemon wedges. 1 O F 1

FAQs

How many cups does this recipe make and what are the cooking times?

The recipe makes 9 cups, with 35 minutes of preparation time and 30 minutes of cook time.

What is the key seasoning that gives the dish its Middle Eastern flavor?

Za’atar seasoning is used to flavor the carrots and can be added additionally before serving.

What ingredients bring sweetness and acidity to the lentils?

Golden raisins add sweetness, while lemon juice and lemon zest provide acidity and brightness.

Sep 5, 2026

Upload by Emma Wilson