Mdardara Lentil And Rice Pilaf Recipes

MDARDARA (LENTIL AND RICE PILAF)

Steps:

• Soak rice in hot water (not the 5 cups above--separate water) for 15 minutes, drain.
• Stir fry onions in oil until golden brown, set aside to crisp and drain.
• In the same pot, reserve 1 tbsp of the oil add water and lentils, and boil until lentils are tender, but still a little firm.
• Add the rice, salt and pepper.
• Bring to a boil again.
• Lower the heat and simmer until the water is absorbed.
• Serve hot or cold.

LENTIL AND RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Rinse lentils. If possible, soak in warm water for at least 2 hours. Drain and set aside. If you don't soak the lentils, they may need more water and take longer to cook.
• Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions, and saute until golden brown about 10-15 minutes. Set aside 1 cup of the sauteed onions for garnish. Add the rice to the onions and saute until well coated with oil, about 1 minute.
• Add lentils, water, salt, pepper, spices and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook covered over low heat for 20 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Fluff lentils with a fork. Serve on a large platter and scatter the remaining 1 cup of sauteed onions on top. Garnish with non-fat yogurt if desired. Be sure to taste for seasoning.