Iraqi Jewish Comfort Food! (Kitchri)

lentils

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: split peas

Quinoa is a protein-rich alternative, while split peas are often less expensive.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil provides healthier fats, while canola oil is budget-friendly.

rice

🥗Healthier: brown rice

💰Cheaper: white rice

Brown rice offers more fiber and nutrients, while white rice is typically cheaper.

chili pepper

🥗Healthier: bell pepper

💰Cheaper: paprika

Bell pepper adds sweetness without heat, and paprika is often less expensive.

Finely chop the onion and tomatoes, placing them in separate bowls. Use a manual food processor to finely chop the garlic into small pieces.

Measure out the lentils and rice, then rinse them thoroughly together in a fine mesh strainer.

Heat ¼ cup of oil in a high-quality nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden.

Add the tomatoes to the onions and continue to sauté over medium heat, allowing the tomatoes to release their juices.

While the onions and tomatoes are cooking, prepare the tomato sauce by combining the tomato paste with 3 ½ cups of water.

Once the tomatoes have softened, add the washed lentils and rice to the pan, mixing them with the onion and tomato mixture.

Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the lentil and rice mixture. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and mix well.

Cover the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, gently stir the rice, then cover the pan again and reduce the heat to low. Allow the rice to simmer for about 15 minutes.

While the rice is cooking, prepare the garlic. Heat ¼ cup of oil in a small pan over medium heat and add the chopped garlic. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

As the garlic begins to turn golden, add 1 tablespoon of cumin powder, stirring well to combine.

Once the rice has finished cooking, remove the lid and pour the garlic and hot oil mixture over the top.

Gently mix the garlic into the rice and lentils, then garnish with fresh parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary