Exotic Spicy Lentil and Brown Rice Pilaf
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Exotic Spicy Lentil and Brown Rice Pilaf, a delightful one-pot meal that is both nutritious and satisfying. Bursting with spices, this dish combines the earthy richness of lentils, the nuttiness of brown rice, and the sweetness of golden raisins, topped with crunchy pistachios for added texture. Perfect for a family gathering or meal prep, this versatile dish can be served as a main course or a side. It's a quick and easy recipe that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
sesame oil
1 tablespoon (used for sautéing)
diced onions
2 cups (fresh)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
brown rice
1.5 cups (uncooked)
lentils
1.5 cups (uncooked)
fennel seeds
2 tablespoons (whole)
coriander
1 tablespoon (ground)
curry powder
1 teaspoon (ground)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
nutmeg
1 teaspoon (ground)
turmeric
1 teaspoon (ground)
allspice
1 teaspoon (ground)
ginger
2 teaspoons (freshly grated)
water
6 cups (filtered)
vegetable bouillon cubes
6 (dissolved in water)
bay leaves
3 (whole)
orange zest
1 tablespoon (freshly grated)
pistachios
1/2 cup (chopped)
golden raisins
1/2 cup (uncooked)
frozen peas
3 cups (thawed)
Instructions
1
In a large heavy-bottomed pan with a tight-fitting lid, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
2
Add the diced onions, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid browning.
3
Stir in the brown rice, coating it evenly with the oil and onion mixture. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the rice becomes slightly golden and emits a nutty aroma.
4
Add the lentils to the pan, followed by the water, vegetable bouillon cubes, orange zest, spices, and bay leaves.
5
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice and lentils are tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6
After cooking, remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7
While the pilaf rests, microwave the frozen peas until thawed, about 1-2 minutes. Stir the peas into the pilaf and gently fluff the mixture with a fork.
8
Finally, garnish the pilaf with the golden raisins and chopped pistachios before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Exotic Spicy Lentil and Brown Rice Pilaf?
It is a vibrant and nutritious one-pot meal that combines earthy lentils, nutty brown rice, and warm spices, garnished with golden raisins and crunchy pistachios.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses plant-based ingredients and vegetable bouillon.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The entire dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals.
What kind of oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of sesame oil to sauté the onions and garlic.
How much brown rice is required?
You will need 1.5 cups of uncooked brown rice.
What type of lentils should I use?
The recipe requires 1.5 cups of uncooked lentils.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe uses 4 minced garlic cloves.
What spices are used in the Exotic Spicy Pilaf?
The spice blend includes fennel seeds, ground coriander, curry powder, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, and allspice.
How much ginger is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger.
How much water is needed for cooking the rice and lentils?
You will need 6 cups of filtered water.
What is used to season the cooking water?
6 vegetable bouillon cubes are dissolved in the water for extra flavor.
How many bay leaves should I add?
The recipe specifies using 3 whole bay leaves.
Does the recipe include citrus?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of freshly grated orange zest.
What kind of nuts are used for the garnish?
1/2 cup of chopped pistachios is used to add a crunchy texture.
Are raisins included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of golden raisins are used as a garnish for sweetness.
When do I add the frozen peas?
The peas should be thawed in the microwave and stirred into the pilaf after the rice and lentils have finished cooking.
How many cups of onions are used?
The recipe requires 2 cups of fresh diced onions.
How long should the onions and garlic be sautéed?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are translucent and fragrant.
Why is the rice cooked before adding water?
The rice is sautéed for 2-3 minutes until slightly golden to bring out a nutty aroma.
What is the simmering time for the pilaf?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes.
Should the pan be covered during cooking?
Yes, use a tight-fitting lid while the pilaf simmers.
How long should the dish rest after the heat is turned off?
Let the pan sit, covered, for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
How are the peas prepared?
Microwave 3 cups of frozen peas until thawed, which takes about 1-2 minutes.
Can this dish be used for meal prep?
Yes, it is a versatile dish that is perfect for meal prep or family gatherings.
Is the pilaf served as a main or side?
It can be served as either a main course or a side dish.
What texture do the golden raisins add?
They provide a burst of sweetness to balance the savory and spicy flavors.
What category of cuisine does this fall under?
The recipe is tagged as Middle Eastern style.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is a convenient one-pot meal that simplifies cleanup.
How do you finish the dish before serving?
Gently fluff the mixture with a fork and garnish with raisins and pistachios.
What are the nutritional benefits?
The dish is described as healthy, nutritious, and high in fiber from the lentils and brown rice.