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This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

Lentil and Eggplant Stew with Pomegranate Molasses

4 to 6 Servings

45 minutes

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This hearty vegetarian stew is our version of the Levantine dish called rummaniyeh, which takes its name from rumaan, the Arabic word for pomegranate. Earthy lentils, silky eggplant and heady garlic cook together in the skillet before they’re finished with tart, fruity pomegranate molasses and lemon juice, plus fresh chili and parsley to wake up the flavors. A sliced onion deeply browned in olive oil and removed from the pan before the lentils and eggplant simmer is a last-minute stir-in; it adds bittersweet depth of flavor and allium notes. If pomegranate seeds are available (frozen seeds sold in bags are a convenient, year-round option), sprinkle some on before serving to add texture and vibrant color. Serve the stew with warm flatbread.

4 to 6

Servings

Tip

Don’t use French lentils du Puy for this recipe, as they take longer to cook and don’t soften like brown lentils. While the lentils and eggplant simmer uncovered, don’t hesitate to stir the mixture often and vigorously. Breaking up some of the lentils and chunks of eggplant lends the stew a little body.

45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4

    tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more to serve

  • 1

    medium yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced

Directions

Reviews
Ethan U.
June 16, 2025
delish
this was great and worked just fine with red onion instead of yellow and double the amount of eggplant
Jon S.
February 24, 2025
Loved It
Went with the 3c recommendation re water and was happy I did. Really hearty, healthy, and tasty.
Andrew H.
February 19, 2024
Yummy
Quite good. Agree that 3c water works better than 4. Also, used only 1t cumin instead of 1T because cumin isn't a favorite of a family member, and it came out nicely balanced anyway. For Pom syrup, simmered 100% Pom Juice down from 2 cups to about 1/4 cup, no other ingredients needed (no added sugar like some recipes call for) and it was great.
Sam S.
October 3, 2023
Yum!
So, the first night I made this, right off the pan, I thought it was inky so-so and a little disappointing. But after 2 days in the fridge letting the flavors mingle and mellow, it was incredible! Will definitely make again and force myself to exercise some patience.
Linda W.

Quite good. However, 4 c water proved excessive; it took forever to evaporate it down. Next time I'll try just 3 c.


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