Best 5 Lentil And Rice Pilaf Recipes

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Lentils and rice, a harmonious duo of earthy flavors and wholesome textures, come together in a symphony of culinary delights in this collection of pilaf recipes. From the classic comfort of the Indian khichdi to the vibrant medley of the Mediterranean mujadara, these dishes showcase the versatility and global appeal of this humble combination.

Embark on a culinary journey through diverse cultures and flavors, discovering the subtle nuances that make each pilaf unique. Experience the warmth of cumin and coriander in the Indian khichdi, the tangy brightness of lemon and fresh herbs in the mujadara, and the smoky charm of paprika in the Turkish mercimek pilavi.

These recipes cater to various dietary preferences, with vegan and gluten-free options available. Whether you're seeking a hearty main course, a nutritious side dish, or a flavorful addition to your plant-based diet, you'll find inspiration and guidance within this culinary treasure trove.

So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on an extraordinary culinary adventure, exploring the depths of flavor and nourishment that lentils and rice have to offer. Let your kitchen become a tapestry of aromas and textures as you create these delectable pilaf dishes, sure to become favorites in your culinary repertoire.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

LENTIL-AND-RICE PILAF



Lentil-and-Rice Pilaf image

The recipe for this savory side dish comes from Norm Matthews of Junction City, Kansas.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains     Rice Recipes

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 thinly sliced onions
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 1/2 cups brown lentils
1 cup long-grain rice
3 cups reduced-sodium canned vegetable broth

Steps:

  • In a 10-inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden and caramelized, 35 to 40 minutes. Season with coarse salt and ground pepper.
  • Meanwhile, in a 3-quart saucepan, bring 5 cups water to a boil. Stir in brown lentils; reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain; rinse pan.
  • Return lentils to pan; add long-grain rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer. Cook until rice is tender and has absorbed liquid, 10 to 12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Scatter onions on pilaf.

RICE AND LENTIL PILAF - INDIAN STYLE



Rice and Lentil Pilaf - Indian Style image

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

1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided
1 1/2 inches cinnamon sticks
6 cardamom pods
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon coriander seed
1/2 teaspoon cumin seed
2 dried red chilies
3 whole cloves
3/4 cup basmati rice
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
kosher salt
2/3 cup lentils
1/2 lb potato, cut into 1/2 inch cubes (boiling kind, like Yukon gold or Red Bliss)
3 medium carrots, grated
fresh ground black pepper

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.

LEBANESE LENTIL-AND-RICE PILAF WITH BLACKENED ONIONS



Lebanese Lentil-and-Rice Pilaf with Blackened Onions image

Categories     Onion     Rice     Side     Sauté     Vegetarian     Yogurt     Ramadan     Spice     Lentil     Fall     Healthy     Simmer     Bon Appétit     Pescatarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
2 14-ounce cans vegetable broth
3/4 cup dried lentils, rinsed, picked over
3/4 cup long-grain white rice
2 large onions, sliced
3 tomatoes, quartered lengthwise
1 cucumber, peeled, cut into rounds
Plain yogurt
Chopped fresh mint

Steps:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and next 4 ingredients; sauté until onion softens, about 4 minutes. Add broth and lentils; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, 10 minutes. Stir in rice; return to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook until liquid is absorbed and rice and lentils are tender, about 15 minutes longer.
  • Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions; sauté until soft and beginning to blacken, about 20 minutes.
  • Season pilaf to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to plates; top with blackened onions. Place tomatoes and cucumber alongside. Top pilaf with dollop of yogurt. Sprinkle with mint.

MICROWAVE SPANISH RICE AND LENTIL PILAF



Microwave Spanish Rice and Lentil Pilaf image

Great side dish that doesn't heat up the kitchen. I start this before I get the rest of supper ready, and often have a few minutes to rest before I call the kids in.

Provided by Anemone

Categories     Brown Rice

Time 55m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (540 g) can lentils
1/2 cup brown rice
1 (540 g) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups stock
1 1/2 teaspoons basil
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup cheese (any kind)

Steps:

  • Combine (drained) lentils, rice, tomatoes, stock, basil, cinnamon and sugar in microwave-safe casserole dish.
  • Cover and microwave on HIGH (100%) 8-10 minutes. Continue cooking on MED (50%) 40-45 minutes until rice is tender and fluffy.
  • Let stand covered for 5 minutes, sprinkle with your choice of cheese.

MDARDARA (LENTIL AND RICE PILAF)



Mdardara (lentil and Rice Pilaf) image

My stepmother is a North Lebanon native, and her version of this is a secret, but this recipe is just as good. It's nice and hearty, and good for toddlers and babies. Pureed, it's called Mjaddara, and the onions are still tender, and mixed in. From the Sahtain cookbook.

Provided by BigFatMomma

Categories     Long Grain Rice

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup red lentil, washed and drained (or brown)
1 cup rice
2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil (not extra virgin)
5 cups water
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Soak rice in hot water (not the 5 cups above--separate water) for 15 minutes, drain.
  • Stir fry onions in oil until golden brown, set aside to crisp and drain.
  • In the same pot, reserve 1 tbsp of the oil add water and lentils, and boil until lentils are tender, but still a little firm.
  • Add the rice, salt and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil again.
  • Lower the heat and simmer until the water is absorbed.
  • Serve hot or cold.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality lentils: Choose lentils that are whole, plump, and free of debris. Avoid lentils that are split or broken, as they will cook unevenly.
  • Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking: This will help to remove any dirt or debris. It will also help to prevent the lentils from sticking together during cooking.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven: This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the lentils from burning.
  • Add plenty of liquid: Lentils absorb a lot of liquid, so it's important to add enough to cover them by at least 2 inches. If you're using a slow cooker, you may need to add even more liquid.
  • Don't overcook the lentils: Lentils are done cooking when they are tender but still hold their shape. Overcooked lentils will become mushy and lose their flavor.
  • Season the pilaf to taste: Lentils have a mild flavor, so you can season them with a variety of herbs and spices to your liking. Common seasonings include cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, and onion.
  • Let the pilaf rest before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb the remaining liquid.

Conclusion:

Lentil and rice pilaf is a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It's a great way to use up leftover lentils, and it's also a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. With its warm and comforting flavors, this pilaf is sure to become a family favorite.

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