Health Recipes
Fragrant basmati, lentils rice
This savory mix of lentils, fragrant basmati rice, garlic, caramelized onions, and raisins makes a terrific main or side dish.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (305g) basmati rice
- 8-10 cups (1.9-2.4L) water
- 1 1/2 cup (345g) lentils
- 8 cups (1.9L) water
- 4 Tbsp (60mL) extra virgin olive oil or flax oil (optional)
- 2 tsp (12g) sea salt
- 1/4 tsp (1g) saffron
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 cup (150g) raisins
- 1/2 tsp (1g) cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp (1g) turmeric
- 1/2 tsp (1g) cumin
- 1/2 tsp (3g) sea salt
- 1/4 tsp (1g) pepper
Serves 8
Directions
Wash lentils thoroughly; add water to a medium-sized pot and boil uncovered on medium-high for 10-15 minutes or until done (don't overcook). Drain lentils in a colander, saving the liquid. Dissolve the saffron in a small amount of hot water and add to the lentils. Set aside. Wash the rice thoroughly.
To a separate pot add water, half of the extra virgin olive/flax oil and sea salt and bring to a boil. On high heat, boil the rice for about 10 to 15 minutes or until slightly soft. Drain rice in a large colander and rinse with warm water.
Select a large heavy-bottom pot. Coat the bottom of the pot with the remaining oil and add 1/3 of the rice. Add 1/3 of the lentils and mix well. Repeat until all the rice and lentils are mixed in the pot. Shape the rice/lentil mixture into a pyramid and cover with a lid and steam over a medium to medium-low heat for about 30 to 40 minutes.
Slice the onions thinly and lightly brown (caramelize) over low heat with oil. Add the remaining ingredients and cook for about 5 more minutes. Serve the lentil rice on a serving platter and top off with the caramelized onion mixture.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 520
- Total Fat: 14g (Saturated Fat 2g)
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 87g (Dietary Fiber 16g, Sugars 17g)
- Protein: 15g