Lentils are arguably the oldest cultivated legume, and this recipe for lentils with rice is a classic originating from the Arab world, with regional variations that make it flavorful, healthy, and budget-friendly.
Contents
Nutrition Facts
Each serving of rice with lentils contains approximately 370 kcal, 13 g of protein, 10 g of fat (2 g of saturated fat), 60 g of carbohydrates, 5 g of sugar, 20 mg of cholesterol, and 500 mg of sodium.
How to Make Lentils with Rice
A simple, straightforward, and delicious dish, rice with lentils can be seasoned and accompanied by various additional ingredients such as bell peppers, potatoes, sausage, and colored chili.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
- 200 g lentils
- 75 g rice
- 1 large onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 tomato
- 1 carrot
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 potato
- 1 chorizo sausage
- 1 tablespoon colored chili
- 1 bay leaf
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Soak the lentils overnight, at least 12 hours, and remove any residue. Rinse in cold water and set aside. Chop the tomato, bell pepper, garlic, and onion; gather everything in a large pot. Peel and chop the potato into medium-sized pieces.
- Add it to the pot along with the chopped carrot, bay leaf, colored chili, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and the chorizo washed and pricked with a fork, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. Add the washed lentils to the pot and cover everything with cold water.
- Heat on high until it boils, reduce to medium heat, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes. Add the rice, stir to integrate, and continue cooking for another 15 minutes or until the lentils and rice are well-cooked. Check and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the lentils with rice immediately, crowned with sliced chorizo and chopped fresh parsley.
Tips for Cooking Lentils
If you haven’t soaked the lentils and want to cook them in a pressure cooker, cook for about 20 minutes from the beginning of boiling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What if I forgot to soak the lentils overnight?
Don’t worry! You can still cook them, but they will take much longer to soften. If you’re in a hurry, use a pressure cooker; they’ll be ready in about 20 minutes from the moment the pot reaches pressure.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but remember that brown rice takes longer to cook. You should add it earlier—about 10 minutes after the lentils start boiling—so both ingredients finish at the same time.
3. Why is it better to use cold water to start the cooking?
Starting with cold water allows the lentils to heat up gradually, which helps them cook evenly from the outside in, preventing the skins from popping off while the inside is still hard.
4. Is it possible to make a vegan version that still tastes good?
Absolutely! Just skip the chorizo and use a high-quality vegetable broth instead of water. A pinch of smoked paprika can help replace the smoky flavor that the sausage usually provides.
5. How can I store leftovers without them drying out?
Lentils and rice will continue to soak up liquid as they sit. When reheating, always add a splash of warm water or broth to bring back the original stew-like consistency.
Benefits of Consuming Lentils
- Lentils are a good source of plant-based proteins, especially beneficial for people following vegetarian or vegan diets, as they can help meet their protein needs.
- They contain a significant amount of dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble, which helps promote digestive health, prevent constipation, and can aid in maintaining a healthy weight.
Did You Know?
Lentils are rich in folic acid, which is highly recommended for consumption by pregnant women, helping prevent issues with the placenta and fetus.
