Caramelized beet lentil pilaf is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the earthy sweetness of beets with the nutty flavor of lentils and the aromatic spices of a pilaf. This vegetarian dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. The caramelized beets add a touch of sweetness and color to the dish, while the lentils provide a hearty and protein-rich base. The pilaf is flavored with a blend of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and paprika, which give it a warm and inviting aroma.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
CARAMELIZED BEET-LENTIL PILAF
Simple, affordable, and a complete protein-there's a reason why rice and legumes are a staple meal in so many different cultures. Here, tender white rice and quick-cooking lentils make a hearty and satisfying vegetarian bowl. To dress things up and deepen the flavor, quick-cooking grated beets were caramelized and then simmered them with the grain mixture, and it's all topped off with a dollop of creamy yogurt and a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper.
Provided by Shira Bocar
Categories Food & Cooking Healthy Recipes Gluten-Free Recipes
Time 1h15m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Add lentils to a small saucepan and cover with 3 inches of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and partially cover. Cook until lentils are almost tender, 10 to 12 minutes; drain.
- In a large straight-sided skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, grated beets, and a generous pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Add 1 teaspoon salt, cumin, and rice and cook until rice looks opaque, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups water and lentils and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is crisp-tender, 15 minutes.
- Uncover and top with beet greens. Cover and cook until greens are bright green and tender, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Serve with yogurt, Aleppo pepper, and a drizzle of oil.
LENTIL PILAF
Make and share this Lentil Pilaf recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Cypriot Cook
Categories Rice
Time 1h20m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Clean the lentils with fresh cold water to avoid foaming when cooking.
- Mix 2 cups of lentils with the 8 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Heat on high, uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, mixing slightly every 10 minutes, removing any foam that may have come up.
- After the lentils turn tender and soft (not melted), make sure there is only about 2 cups of water remaining (add or remove water).
- Add the half cup of rice. Cook for 10 mins at medium fire.
- Simultaneously with the rice, fry the chopped cup of onion in the olive oil and vegetable oil until golden brown (should be about 10 minutes).
- After the 10 minutes pass, slowly pour the oil and onion over the lentils and rice. Lower the heat to Low, and let it lay for 10 minutes (do NOT mix).
- After the 10 minutes pass, add the quarter cup of vinegar and mix everything.
- Cover with a thick clean kitchen towel and leave covered for about 10 minutes.
- After the 15 minutes pass, you should have a thick pilaf of lentils and rice, with onions showing up here and there.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 305.6, Fat 18.5, SaturatedFat 2.5, Sodium 1175, Carbohydrate 28.7, Fiber 5.9, Sugar 2.3, Protein 7.3
CARAMELIZED ONION AND LENTIL PILAF
Back in 2003, Nigella Lawson brought to The Times a recipe for chicken and apricot masala, and with it, she paired this dish, a caramelized onion and lentil pilaf. "The sweet smokiness of scorched onion and the depth of spicing you get from cumin, coriander and cloves more than balances out the rich texture of the rice studded with lentils and mustard seeds," she wrote. "This dish is robust and earthy ballast. I might even have it by itself for supper, with no more than a salad of diced cucumber, dressed with yogurt and dried mint, on the side." Perhaps you should do the same.
Provided by Nigella Lawson
Categories dinner, main course, side dish
Time 40m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large heavy-based saucepan, heat ghee over medium heat. Add onion slices, and sauté until softened and deep golden brown. Remove half the onions and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add turmeric, cumin, coriander, cloves, mustard seeds and curry leaves. Add salt, and season with black pepper to taste.
- Combine lentils and rice in a fine-meshed sieve, and rinse well with cold water. Drain, then add to pan. Add 4 cups water, raise heat, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to very low, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Water should be completely absorbed; if not, remove pan from heat, remove lid and cover pan with a kitchen towel, then replace lid and allow to stand for 10 minutes.
- To serve, fluff pilaf with a fork, and transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with reserved onions.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 300, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 48 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 11 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 214 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams
NIGELLA LAWSON CARAMELIZED ONION & LENTIL PILAF
Came across this recipe on nytimes.com in an article written by the Kitchen Goddess herself: Nigella Lawson. Haven't tried it yet, but I thought I'd share this. I'm drooling over the thought of it! :) I did omit the ghee to make it healthier.
Provided by nomnom
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 40m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large heavy-based saucepan, heat over medium heat.
- Add onion slices, and sauté until softened and deep golden brown.
- Remove half the onions and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add turmeric, cumin, coriander, cloves, mustard seeds and curry leaves.
- Add salt, and season with black pepper to taste.
- Combine lentils and rice in a fine-meshed sieve, and rinse well with cold water.
- Drain, then add to pan.
- Add 4 cups water, raise heat, and bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat to very low, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Water should be completely absorbed; if not, remove pan from heat, remove lid and cover pan with a kitchen towel, then replace lid and allow to stand for 10 minutes.
- To serve, fluff pilaf with a fork, and transfer to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with reserved onions.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 238.9, Fat 1.5, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 780.6, Carbohydrate 45.4, Fiber 11.3, Sugar 1.7, Protein 11.1
Tips:
- Prep your ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and measured. This will help you stay organized and avoid scrambling during the cooking process.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your pilaf will taste. Look for fresh, organic vegetables and lentils, and use a flavorful broth.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When sautéing the vegetables and lentils, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will prevent them from cooking evenly and becoming mushy.
- Cook the pilaf until the lentils are tender: The pilaf is done cooking when the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. This usually takes about 20 minutes.
- Let the pilaf rest before serving: Once the pilaf is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to meld and the pilaf to set.
Conclusion:
Caramelized Beet Lentil Pilaf is a delicious and healthy side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its vibrant colors and flavors, this pilaf is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
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