Grandmother's I-Kiribati Pan-Fried Lentils Stew

Assemble the ingredients: lentils, cumin, onion, coriander, salt, lemon juice, tomato.

Warm oil in a heavy pot. Add the lentils and cook until pan-fried.

Stir in the aromatics and spices — the backbone of I-Kiribati flavors.

Add the remaining ingredients and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until tender.

Taste and adjust seasoning; the flavor should deepen as it cooks.

Plate and serve with traditional I-Kiribati accompaniments such as bread, rice, or fresh herbs.