Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
- 1 cup lentils (green or brown)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
HOW TO MAKE
1. Rinse the rice and lentils:
Rinse the rice and lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch from the rice and any impurities from the lentils.
2. Cook the lentils:
In a medium pot, add the lentils and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the vegetables:
In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add vegetables:
Stir in the diced carrot, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
5. Spices and tomatoes:
Add the cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables with the spices. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Cook the rice:
Add the rinsed rice to the vegetable mixture and stir well to combine. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Combine lentils and rice:
Gently stir in the cooked lentils, mixing them evenly with the rice and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
8. Garnish and serve:
Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious vegetarian rice with lentils and vegetables with the Recipe Station!