Description
A flavorful and aromatic pilaf made with lentils, rice, and warming spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine lentils and 3 cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until tender. Drain any excess water.
- While lentils are cooking, heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the rinsed basmati rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat the grains with the spices.
- Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the cooked lentils. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Let the pilaf stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth.
- Add other chopped vegetables like carrots or peas along with the onion for extra nutrition and color.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spiced lentil rice pilaf, lentil pilaf recipe, rice pilaf with lentils, vegetarian pilaf, flavorful rice dish, aromatic spices