How To Cook PERFECT FLUFFY LENTIL & RICE WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS

rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: bulgur

Quinoa adds protein while bulgur is often less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier with a higher smoke point.

onions

🥗Healthier: shallots

💰Cheaper: leeks

Shallots provide a milder flavor, while leeks can be more affordable.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water

Homemade broth is healthier and can be made from scraps.

Soak whole brown lentils in boiling hot water for 2-3 hours or in cold water overnight.

Rinse long-grained basmati rice until water runs clear and soak for 30 minutes.

Thinly slice onions evenly for caramelization.

Drain water from soaked rice and lentils before cooking.

Heat a wide heavy-bottomed pan and add olive oil.

Add onions to the pan before the oil gets hot, sprinkle with salt, and fry on medium-high heat.

After 25 minutes, remove half of the caramelized onions and spread them on a paper towel to make them crispy.

Add finely chopped ginger and garlic to the remaining onions and stir for 2-3 minutes.

Add kashmiri red chilli powder, ground coriander, and ground cumin, then stir in tomato paste or fresh tomato.

Add drained lentils and mix well, then add 5 cups of hot water and bring to a boil.

Cover and cook on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes.

Fry green beans separately on medium heat until tender but still crunchy, then set aside.

Check lentils for doneness, they should be chewy and not fully cooked.

Add salt to taste, then add the drained rice and keep on medium-high heat, stirring gently.

Once the water decreases, add garam masala powder and cover on very low heat for 15 minutes.

Prepare cucumber yogurt sauce by whisking yogurt with black pepper, salt, sugar, chopped cucumber, and parsley.

After 15 minutes, check rice for tenderness and fluffiness, adding more time if necessary.

Sprinkle mint leaves, optional green chilies, and generous coriander leaves on top of the rice, then drizzle with lemon juice and optional ghee.

Let sit for a minimum of 15 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary