Spiced Lentils And Rice Recipes

MIDDLE EASTERN RICE (MEJADRA)

Steps:

• Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Add about 1/3 of the onions and cook for 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
• Repeat with remaining onions, in two batches.
• Put the olive oil, cumin seeds and coriander in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Cook for a couple of minutes until the spices are fragrant.
• Add the rice and stir to coat with the oil and spices.
• Add the water and lentils.
• While it comes to boil, add all the other spices, salt and pepper.
• When it comes to a boil, turn it down to medium-low, cover with lid and let cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until all the liquid has mostly been absorbed.
• Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes - during this time, any residual liquid will absorb.
• Fluff rice with a fork and adjust the seasoning with more salt if you wish.
• Just prior to serving, stir through most of the onions and top with remainder. Sprinkle with chopped coriander if desired. Best served warm.

SPICY CURRIED LENTILS AND RICE

Steps:

• Pour the oil into a medium or large saucepan with a lid over medium heat. Add the onion, ginger, garlic and pepper. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. Cook until onion begins to slightly soften, about 5 minutes.
• Add lentils, rice, curry powder, and water. Stir well.
• Cover the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 35 minutes.
• Remove from heat, add peas to pot, replace cover and let sit undisturbed for 5 more minutes.
• Add tomatoes and salt and fluff with a fork. Transfer to a serving plate. Top with cilantro. Serve immediately.

SPICED LENTILS AND RICE

Steps:

• Cut up onions, carrots, apples and green onions. Mince garlic.
• In a large saucepan, saute onions and garlic in oil for 3 minutes.
• Add cumin, curry, cinnamon and salt. Let cook another 2 minutes.
• Stir in carrots and rice. Stir for 1 minute, then carefully pour in stock. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed by the rice.
• Remove from heat. Stir in lentils, apples and green onions.
• Garnish with plain yogurt, if desired.

SPICED RICE & LENTILS WITH CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a pan, add the onion and carrots, then fry for 5 mins until lightly coloured. Stir in the rice and lentils, cook for 1 more min, add the curry paste and 900ml water, then bring to the boil. Cover, then simmer for 10 mins.
• Stir in the cauliflower, then cook for 10 mins more until the rice and lentils are tender. Add the peas 2 mins before cooking time is up, stirring through. Top with the nuts, then serve with yogurt and mango chutney in bowls.

INDIAN-SPICED RICE WITH LENTILS

Steps:

• Rinse lentils; drain. Place in small bowl. Rinse rice; drain. Place in another small bowl. Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add cinnamon, cloves, and cumin; sauté about 2 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; sauté about 30 seconds. Add water, salt, sugar, and turmeric; bring to boil. Reduce heat; add lentils and cook 8 minutes. Increase heat to high. Add rice and boil 5 minutes. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until lentils and rice are tender and liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes longer. Remove from heat; let stand covered 5 minutes. Transfer rice to large bowl. Remove cinnamon stick pieces and cloves. Mix in cilantro and lime juice.
• Basmati rice is available at Indian markets and some supermarkets.