Fragrant Bean, Chickpea and Lentil Stew

• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter
2. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
3. 1 garlic clove, minced
4. 1 teaspoon minced, peeled fresh ginger
5. 1/4 cup tomato paste
6. 2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
7. 4 cups water
8. 1/3 cup dried French green lentils, rinsed and soaked overnight
9. 1/3 cup dried black beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
10. 1/3 cup dried chickpeas, rinsed and soaked overnight
11. 1/3 cup dried red or pink beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
12. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
13. Salt

1. In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the onion and cook over moderately low heat until softened, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook over moderate heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and garam masala and cook, stirring, until glossy, about 3 minutes. Gradually stir in the water until smooth.
2. Drain the soaked lentils, black beans, chickpeas and red beans. Add them to the pan and bring to a boil. Add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the cooking liquid is thick, about 2 1/2 hours. Stir in the lemon juice, season with salt and serve.