Weeknight Bangladeshi Pan-Fried Lentils Stew

Assemble the ingredients: lentils, flour, bay leaf, bell pepper, cinnamon, parsley, butter.

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

Stir in the aromatics and spices — the backbone of Bangladeshi 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 Bangladeshi accompaniments such as bread, rice, or fresh herbs.