Embark on a culinary journey to India with this delectable duo of traditional recipes: Indian Rice and Lentils (Dal Chawal) and cooling Raita. Dal Chawal, a comforting and nourishing dish, combines the goodness of aromatic basmati rice with protein-rich lentils, simmered in a symphony of spices. Savor the harmonious blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. Accompanying this hearty dish is the refreshing Raita, a yogurt-based condiment that adds a cooling contrast to the spicy notes of the Dal Chawal. This versatile condiment, made with fresh cucumber, mint, and cilantro, not only complements the main course but also serves as a delightful dip for various snacks and appetizers. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and experience the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine with these two culinary gems.
Let's cook with our recipes!
INDIAN LENTILS AND RICE
Lentils are the "dahling" of Indian cuisine. Here, they're spiced up with ginger, red pepper, garlic and many other flavor-packed ingredients.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 55m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Spray 3-quart saucepan with cooking spray. Cook onions, gingerroot, red pepper and garlic in saucepan over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are tender.
- Stir in 5 cups of the broth, the lentils, turmeric and salt. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 25 to 30 minutes, adding remaining broth if needed, until lentils are tender.
- Stir in tomato, coconut and mint. Serve over rice and with yogurt.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 340, Carbohydrate 61 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 9 g, Protein 18 g, SaturatedFat 1 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1380 mg, Sugar 9 g, TransFat 0 g
SOUTH INDIAN LENTIL CAKES WITH RAITA
At Philadelphia's Bindi, legumes and rice are soaked, ground with herbs and spices, then formed into patties and pan-fried to make these cakes.
Yield Makes 2 to 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 25
Steps:
- For raita:
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Cut top 1/2" off head of garlic; discard. Place garlic on a sheet of foil. Drizzle with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap in foil. Roast until tender, about 45 minutes. Let cool. Squeeze cloves from skins, keeping cloves intact.
- Stir cumin in a small dry skillet over medium heat until deep brown, 2-3 minutes. Let cool. Finely grind in a spice mill.
- Mix yogurt, cucumber, cilantro, mint, jalapeño, and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice in a medium bowl. Stir in cumin. Season with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired.
- For lentil cakes:
- Rinse legumes; place in a medium bowl with rice. Add water to cover by 3". Let legumes and rice soak at room temperature for 3-5 hours.
- Drain legumes and rice; transfer to a food processor. Add garlic, ginger, and jalapeño. Process until grainy paste forms (add 1-2 tablespoons water if necessary). Transfer to a large bowl; mix in tendrils and next 6 ingredients.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Spoon 4 scant 1/4-cupfuls of batter into skillet, flattening with the back of a measuring cup into 1/4"-thick cakes. Reduce heat to medium; sauté until golden brown and cooked through, adding 1 more tablespoon oil when cakes are flipped, about 4-5 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining oil and batter. Divide raita among plates; top with a roasted garlic clove. Place 2 cakes on each plate.
RICE AND LENTIL PILAF - INDIAN STYLE
This is a comfort-food that is an adaptation of a Sara Moulton recipe. Basmati rice with the added flavors of whole spices toasted in oil, with lentils and potatoes. A bit of work, but well worth the effort.
Provided by LifeIsGood
Categories Potato
Time 1h30m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, bay leaf, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, chiles, and cloves and then cook for about a minute while stirring, until the spices become fragrant. Take the spices out of the pot and reserve. Turn the heat down to med-low and add the onion to the pan. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring once and a while, and then take the pot off the heat and set aside.
- Rinse the rice in a colander. Once the rice is rinsed and drained, add it to the onion in the saucepan and put in the reserved spices and add the turmeric and cook over med-heat, stirring, for about 1 minute.
- Add in 1 1/2 C water and 1/2 t salt to the mixture and bring it all to a boil over high heat. Cover the pan with a paper towel and then the lid. Let this simmer this way, over low heat, for approx.20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been soaked up. Take the pan off of the heat and set aside, leaving it covered, for approximately 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine the lentils, 2 C water and 1/2 t salt in a different saucepan and bring it to a boil over high heat. Then put a lif on it and simmer, over low heat. for approximately 25 minutes (until the lentils get tender).
- Now, heat the remaining 2 T vegetable oil, over medium heat, in a large nonstick skillet. Add in the potatoes and cook for approx 10 or 12 minutes, until the potatoes get a bit browned (stirring occasionally). Take the heat down to low and cook for about 5 minutes more. Then you can add the carrots to the potatoes and cook for 3 more minutes, or just until both are tender.
- Next, you can fluff the rice with a fork and take out the bay leaf, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves and chiles. Then drain your lentils and stir them into the rice along with the potato mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy.
Tips:
- Use high-quality basmati rice: This type of rice is known for its long, slender grains and fluffy texture, which makes it ideal for this dish.
- Soak the lentils before cooking: Soaking the lentils for at least 30 minutes helps to reduce their cooking time and makes them more digestible.
- Use a variety of spices: The combination of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala gives this dish its signature flavor. Adjust the amount of each spice to suit your taste.
- Don't overcook the lentils: Lentils should be cooked until they are tender but still hold their shape. Overcooked lentils will become mushy.
- Serve with raita: Raita is a yogurt-based sauce that is often served with Indian dishes. It helps to cool down the spiciness of the lentils and adds a creamy, tangy flavor.
Conclusion:
This Indian rice and lentils dish is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It is also a great way to use up leftover rice and lentils. The dish can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences, and it is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love