Red Lentil Rice Recipe: A Flavorful and Nutritious Dish for Every Meal
Guide or Summary：IngredientsInstructionsNutritional BenefitsFlexibility and VariationsIngredients- 1 cup red lentils- 2 cups water- 1 onion, finely chopped……
Guide or Summary：
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 2 cups water
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Rinse the red lentils under cold water and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the red lentils and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed all the water. Set aside.
3. In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
4. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Add the ground coriander, turmeric powder, garam masala, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices are well incorporated.
7. Add the cooked red lentils to the pan and stir to combine with the onion and spice mixture.
8. Season with salt to taste and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is well heated through and the flavors have melded together.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutritional Benefits
Red lentils are an excellent source of protein, fiber, iron, and folate. They are also low in fat and calories, making them a healthy addition to any diet. This recipe not only provides a delicious and satisfying meal but also offers numerous health benefits.
Flexibility and Variations
This red lentil rice recipe is highly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. You can add vegetables such as carrots, peas, or spinach to the dish for extra nutrition and color. Additionally, you can experiment with different spices and herbs to create unique flavor profiles.
In conclusion, the red lentil rice recipe is a nutritious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your preferences. With its abundance of nutrients and satisfying taste, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, why not give it a try and enjoy the delicious and healthy benefits of red lentil rice?