Armenian Mshosh (Lentil Stew) Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 3 cups vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 large ripe tomato, peeled and finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or mild chili flakes)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses (for garnish and depth)