PERUVIAN RICE AND LENTILS (TACU TACU)

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Peruvian Rice and Lentils (Tacu Tacu) image

Versions of this casual dish are found throughout Peru, often crowned with a steak and a fried egg. Cooks flip the mixture of beans and rice frequently while it fries so that the exterior develops a crisp, browned crust. From Gourmet magazine.

Provided by Pinay0618

Categories     Rice

Time 1h20m

Yield 8 side dish servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup dried brown lentils (7 ounces)
7 1/4 cups water, divided
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic, divided
6 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon aji yellow paste

Steps:

  • Bring lentils, 5 cups water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a heavy medium saucepan, then simmer, uncovered, until lentils are just tender, 12 to 25 minutes (depending on age of lentils). Drain, then transfer to a large bowl.
  • Meanwhile, cook 1 teaspoon garlic in 1tablespoon oil in another heavy medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring, 1 minute. Add rice and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add remaining 2 1/4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil, then cook, covered, over low heat 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 10 minutes. Stir rice from top to bottom with a rubber spatula, then stir into lentils.
  • While rice stands, sautéonion and remaining teaspoon garlic in 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until onion is golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in chile paste and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir onion mixture into rice mixture.
  • Heat remaining 1/4 cup oil in skillet over medium heat until hot. Add rice mixture and fry, gently flattening with a spatula, until a golden-brown crust forms on underside, about 3 minutes. Stir rice and fry, flattening it, until a crust forms on underside again, about 3 minutes more. Repeat frying and stirring until bits of crust are dispersed throughout, about 9 minutes more (about 15 minutes total frying time).

Ann Vine
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I'm not sure why, but my tacu tacu turned out really mushy. I think I might have cooked it for too long.


Md naim Khan
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This tacu tacu recipe is a great way to use up old rice. I had some rice that was a few days old, and it worked perfectly in this recipe.


Mr faizan
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I'm not a big fan of Peruvian cuisine, but I thought I'd give this tacu tacu recipe a try. I'm glad I did! It was really delicious.


Nawab Hasankhan
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This tacu tacu recipe is a bit spicy for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. I think I'll try using less aji sauce next time.


Victory Ifetoye
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I'm a vegetarian, and I'm always looking for new and exciting recipes. This tacu tacu recipe is a great option for me. It's packed with protein and flavor.


Abdul Ayaz
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This tacu tacu recipe is a great way to get your kids to eat lentils. The fried plantains and the aji sauce make it really tasty.


Scott Ingram
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I'm not sure what I did wrong, but my tacu tacu turned out really bland. I think I might have used too much water.


Nenanivincent Mumba
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This tacu tacu recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it's worth the effort. The finished dish is delicious and unique.


Nazar Khan
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I love the combination of rice, lentils, and fried plantains in this tacu tacu recipe. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal.


SH Sajjat
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This tacu tacu recipe is a great way to use up leftovers, and it's also a delicious and satisfying meal.


Oscar Mauleon
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I'm not a big fan of lentils, but I really enjoyed this tacu tacu recipe. The flavors were well-balanced, and the lentils were cooked perfectly.


Xmarty King
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I'm a big fan of Peruvian cuisine, and this tacu tacu recipe is one of my favorites. The combination of rice, lentils, and fried plantains is perfect.


Birungi Joseline
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I've never had tacu tacu before, but I'm glad I tried this recipe. It's a great way to use up leftovers, and it's really tasty too.


CHAND Jutt
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This is my new favorite recipe! The tacu tacu is so easy to make, and it's always a hit with my family and friends.


Alexaimilios Tsiakuris
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I'm not sure what I did wrong, but my tacu tacu turned out really dry. The rice and lentils didn't stick together at all, and the flavor was bland.


Evely Octave
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This tacu tacu recipe was absolutely delicious! The rice and lentils cooked perfectly together, and the flavors were amazing. I especially loved the addition of the fried plantains, which added a nice crunch and sweetness to the dish.