Mediterranean Cumin-Infused Rice and Lentil Delight
Savor the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this wholesome Cumin-Infused Rice and Lentil Delight. This satisfying stew combines protein-packed lentils and fluffy long-grain rice, all seasoned with aromatic cumin and sautéed onions and garlic. Perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this dish is not only packed with nutrients but also boasts an inviting aroma that fills your home. Garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe is sure to be a hit among family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
lentils
1 cup (sorted and rinsed)
water or vegetable broth
2 cups (for cooking lentils)
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
onions
2 large (chopped)
garlic
3 cloves (minced)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
long-grain rice
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by sorting through the lentils to remove any debris or stones, then rinse thoroughly under cold water.
2
In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
4
Once cooked, drain the lentils, reserving the cooking liquid in a measuring cup. You should have roughly 2 cups of liquid left. Add water to the reserved liquid to make a total of 3 cups.
5
In a heavy skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are well browned, approximately 15 minutes.
6
Stir in the minced garlic and ground cumin, sautéing for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
7
In the saucepan with the lentils, pour in the reserved cooking liquid and bring it to a boil. Season with salt to taste.
8
Add the long-grain rice to the boiling mixture and give it a quick stir. Then, stir in the onion and garlic mixture.
9
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let everything cook without stirring for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
10
Once cooked, gently fluff the rice and lentils with a fork. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper.
11
If desired, stir in chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Cumin-Infused Rice and Lentil Delight?
It is a wholesome, protein-packed Mediterranean stew featuring lentils and long-grain rice seasoned with aromatic cumin, sautéed onions, and garlic.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like lentils, rice, and vegetable oil.
How many lentils are required for this recipe?
You will need 1 cup of lentils that have been sorted and rinsed.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of uncooked long-grain rice.
How many onions are used in this dish?
The recipe requires 2 large onions, chopped and sautéed until well browned.
What is the main spice used for flavoring?
The primary spice used is 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, which provides a rich, inviting aroma.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
The chopped onions should be sautéed in vegetable oil for approximately 15 minutes until they are well browned.
How much liquid is needed to cook the lentils initially?
You should use 2 cups of water or vegetable broth for the initial cooking of the lentils.
What is the total amount of liquid used for the final rice and lentil mixture?
The total liquid used for the final stage is 3 cups, which is a combination of the reserved lentil cooking liquid and additional water.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 3 cloves of minced garlic.
Should I rinse the lentils?
Yes, you should sort through the lentils to remove debris and then rinse them thoroughly under cold water before cooking.
How long should the lentils boil initially?
The lentils should be boiled and then simmered for about 20 minutes until they are tender but not mushy.
How much vegetable oil is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil for sautéing the onions.
When should I add the garlic and cumin?
Stir in the minced garlic and ground cumin after the onions have browned, sautéing for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
How long does the rice and lentil mixture cook together?
Once combined, cover the pot and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes without stirring.
Should I stir the rice while it is cooking?
No, you should let everything cook without stirring for about 20 minutes to ensure the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the dish hot, fluffed with a fork, and garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this satisfying stew is nutrient-packed and perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep throughout the week.
What garnish is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests garnishing with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Is this dish considered a one-pot meal?
While it involves a skillet for onions and a saucepan for lentils, it is often categorized as a one-pot style comfort meal.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of water?
Yes, you can use either water or vegetable broth to cook the lentils for added flavor.
How do I know when the rice is finished?
The rice is finished when it is tender and has fully absorbed the cooking liquid.
Should the lentils be mushy?
No, you should cook the lentils until they are tender but still hold their shape, avoiding a mushy texture.
What seasoning is used besides cumin?
The dish is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What is the first step in preparing the lentils?
The first step is sorting through the lentils to remove any debris or stones.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The 3 garlic cloves should be minced before being added to the skillet.
Do I keep the liquid from the cooked lentils?
Yes, you should reserve the cooking liquid and add water to it to reach a total of 3 cups for cooking the rice.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
Yes, lentils and rice are naturally gluten-free ingredients, making this dish suitable for those on a gluten-free diet.
What heat setting should be used for cooking the rice?
The rice should be cooked on low heat after the liquid has been brought to a boil.
What is the general texture of this dish?
It is a hearty, fluffy, and satisfying stew that combines the softness of rice with the bite of lentils.