RICE AND LENTIL PILAF - INDIAN STYLE

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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.

Jaden Deer
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This pilaf was a bit too spicy for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. I would definitely make it again, but I would use less chili pepper next time.


Ayan Ge
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I'm not a big fan of lentils, but I really enjoyed this pilaf. The flavors were very well-balanced and the lentils were cooked perfectly. I would definitely make this again.


Jaker Hossain
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This was the best rice and lentil pilaf I've ever had! The flavors were incredible and it was so easy to make. I will definitely be making this again.


Jaan Srinu
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The pilaf was a bit too oily for my liking. I think I'll use less oil next time. I would still recommend this recipe with some modifications.


Mbuya Charlotte
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This pilaf was a bit bland for my taste. I think I'll add more spices next time. I would still recommend this recipe with some modifications.


Shinza Sajjad
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This was a great recipe! I used brown rice and it turned out perfect. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Ash Raja
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The pilaf was delicious! The lentils added a nice nutty flavor and the spices gave it a nice kick. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Joan Namuleme
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This dish was a great way to use up leftover rice and lentils. It was also very flavorful and easy to make. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Henry Mujuzi
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I've made this pilaf a few times now and it's always a hit! It's so easy to make and the flavor is amazing. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Anton Sophie
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This pilaf was a great way to use up leftover rice and lentils. It was also very flavorful and easy to make. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Babar Ali Kariro
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The pilaf was a bit too oily for my liking. I think I'll use less oil next time.


Md Mahafujur Rahaman
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This pilaf was a bit bland for my taste. I think I'll add more spices next time.


Alice Motlomelo
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This was a great recipe! I used brown rice and it turned out perfect.


Anjumkhan Khan
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The pilaf was delicious! The lentils added a nice nutty flavor and the spices gave it a nice kick.


Sasiram Khadka
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This dish was a great way to use up leftover rice and lentils. It was also very flavorful and easy to make.


Chibuike Okonkwo
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I've made this pilaf a few times now and it's always a hit! It's so easy to make and the flavor is amazing.


Isaac Eshun
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This rice and lentil pilaf was a delightful dish! The combination of flavors and textures was perfect, and it was a great way to use up leftover rice and lentils.